--- title: "Hakimi faces trial after French court confirms rape allegations" description: "PSG and Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi must now confront serious criminal charges after a Paris appeals court upheld rape allegations, reshaping his career trajectory and PSG’s defensive plans." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/achraf-hakimi-to-stand-trial-in-rape-case-french-court-conf-e061d28a published: 2026-07-01T14:19:10.188+00:00 updated: 2026-07-01T14:19:10.188+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["soccer"] --- # Hakimi faces trial after French court confirms rape allegations > PSG and Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi must now confront serious criminal charges after a Paris appeals court upheld rape allegations, reshaping his career trajectory and PSG’s defensive plans. Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco right-back Achraf Hakimi will stand trial in France after a Paris appeals court confirmed rape allegations against him. The decision, handed down on Tuesday, clears the legal path for prosecutors to move forward with the case, which stems from an incident reported in February 2023. The ruling marks a pivotal moment for Hakimi, 28, who has been a key figure in PSG’s defensive structure since joining the club in 2021. His absence during the trial period could force manager Luis Enrique to reshuffle the backline, particularly with Kylian Mbappé’s return to fitness and the club’s Champions League ambitions. PSG currently sit second in Ligue 1, five points behind Monaco, with a congested fixture list that includes a Champions League quarter-final tie against Barcelona in mid-April. The allegations surfaced after a woman filed a complaint in February 2023, accusing Hakimi of sexual assault during a night out in Paris. French prosecutors initially declined to press charges, citing insufficient evidence, but the victim’s legal team successfully appealed the decision, arguing that investigative oversights had tainted the initial review. The appeals court ruled that the case met the threshold for trial, ordering the matter to proceed to criminal court. Hakimi has consistently denied the allegations, stating through his lawyers that the encounter was consensual. His legal team plans to vigorously contest the charges, with a defense strategy focused on discrediting the prosecution’s evidence and witnesses. The trial is expected to commence within 12 months, though scheduling delays are common in high-profile cases. PSG’s sporting director, Luis Campos, declined to comment on the ruling but confirmed the club is monitoring the situation closely. "We respect the judicial process and will address any developments as they arise," Campos stated. The Moroccan Football Federation has also distanced itself, noting that Hakimi remains eligible to represent the national team until a final verdict is reached. The appellate reversal underscores the rigorous scrutiny French courts apply to sexual assault cases, particularly when initial investigative procedures are challenged. Prosecutors now face the heavy burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt based on events from over a year ago. This legal purgatory forces Hakimi to maintain elite physical conditioning while his personal life is dissected in open court, a dual pressure that has historically derailed athletes even before a final verdict is rendered. From a roster construction standpoint, the situation exposes the fragility of PSG’s depth chart. The club has aggressively pursued attacking stars but failed to secure reliable cover at the full-back positions, leaving Enrique with few tactical alternatives if Hakimi’s focus wavers or his availability becomes compromised. Beyond the tactical void, the looming trial creates a commercial liability, as sponsors and club executives grow increasingly wary of attaching their brands to a player entangled in active criminal litigation that carries the threat of a custodial sentence. The timing is catastrophic for a club already juggling domestic parity and European survival. With Monaco holding a five-point cushion in Ligue 1, PSG cannot afford the distraction or the potential loss of a starting full-back who logs heavy minutes. The congested fixture list, compounded by the Champions League quarter-final against Barcelona, leaves little margin for error, forcing the coaching staff to scramble for depth in a position that lacks proven backups. On the international stage, the Moroccan Federation’s wait-and-see approach carries significant risk. While eligibility remains technically intact, the optics of fielding a player under a cloud of such serious allegations could trigger a backlash from fans and sponsors. If the legal proceedings extend toward the 2026 World Cup cycle as anticipated, the federation will face an impossible choice between sporting utility and moral standing, potentially derailing Hakimi’s legacy with the national team. What’s next: The trial date will be set in the coming months, with Hakimi likely to miss several weeks of competitive action. PSG may need to adjust their defensive recruitment window, while the Moroccan FA will face pressure to reassess Hakimi’s future in the national setup if the case drags into the 2026 World Cup cycle. ## Why this matters A high-profile footballer confronting serious criminal charges risks permanent reputational damage and potential career consequences regardless of the trial outcome. For PSG, the uncertainty complicates squad planning and defensive stability, especially with Champions League aspirations. The case also tests the Moroccan FA’s stance on player conduct, potentially influencing national team selection policies ahead of major tournaments. ## Frequently asked ### What charges is Achraf Hakimi facing? Hakimi faces rape allegations stemming from an incident reported in February 2023. The charges were confirmed for trial after a Paris appeals court ruled the case met the threshold for criminal proceedings. ### When will the trial begin? The trial date has not been set yet, but it is expected to commence within 12 months. High-profile cases often face scheduling delays, so the timeline remains uncertain. ### How could this affect PSG’s season? Hakimi’s absence during the trial could force PSG to reshuffle their backline, especially with Champions League quarter-finals approaching. The club sits second in Ligue 1, five points behind Monaco, and cannot afford defensive instability. ### Has Hakimi responded to the allegations? Hakimi has denied the allegations through his legal team, stating the encounter was consensual. His lawyers plan to contest the charges vigorously in court. ### Could Hakimi still play for Morocco? Yes. The Moroccan Football Federation has stated Hakimi remains eligible to represent the national team until a final verdict is reached. No immediate suspension has been imposed. ### What’s the next legal step? The trial date will be set in the coming months. Prosecutors will present their case, and Hakimi’s defense team will challenge the evidence and witnesses presented. ## Sources & Citations - [Achraf Hakimi to stand trial in rape case, French court confirms - ESPN](https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/49115711/achraf-hakimi-stand-trial-rape-case-french-court-confirms) — NewsAPI.org (2026-06-19) - [Morocco star Achraf Hakimi will stand trial in a rape case, French appeals court confirms - AP News](https://apnews.com/article/hakimi-world-cup-trial-rape-psg-morocco-23a83548f23d923cc92c5a39080e9c2f) — NewsAPI.org (2026-06-19) --- Cite: Hakimi faces trial after French court confirms rape allegations. Sportopod, 2026-07-01. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/achraf-hakimi-to-stand-trial-in-rape-case-french-court-conf-e061d28a