PSG and Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi is set to stand trial in France after the country’s Court of Cassation reportedly rejected his final appeal against a previous ruling that sent the case to a criminal court.
The decision means the legal process will now move forward, with Hakimi expected to appear before the Hauts-de-Seine departmental criminal court over a rape allegation that dates back to 2023.
The case has attracted significant attention in the football world because of the Moroccan international status as one of the most recognizable defenders in the game.
The allegation first emerged in 2023 when a woman accused the Moroccan international of rape following an encounter at his home near Paris.
French prosecutors later opened an investigation, and the case has gone through several stages of the French judicial system. Hakimi has consistently denied the accusation and maintained that he is innocent.
Earlier this year, a French appeals court confirmed that there was enough evidence for the matter to proceed to trial. Hakimi’s legal team then sought to challenge that decision through France’s highest court, the Court of Cassation.
With that appeal now rejected, the trial process can move ahead. Under French law, the decision does not determine whether Hakimi is guilty or innocent.
It only confirms that the case should be examined in a criminal court where judges will assess the evidence presented by both sides.
According to The Touchline, they confirmed the recent update saying: “France’s Court of Cassation has rejected Achraf Hakimi’s appeal, clearing the way for the defender to stand trial over a rape allegation dating back to 2023.
“Hakimi will face trial before the Hauts-de-Seine departmental criminal court.
“The decision does not determine his guilt, which will be decided at trial.
“Kylian Mbappé could reportedly be called as a witness in the case.
One important point in the case is that a trial has not yet produced a verdict. The player remains presumed innocent unless and until a court decides otherwise.
The upcoming proceedings will allow prosecutors, defense lawyers, witnesses, and the court to review the facts and arguments before any final judgment is made.
Reports have also suggested that France captain Kylian Mbappé could be called as a witness because of his friendship with Hakimi and his connection to information reviewed during the investigation.
Previous reports indicated that the France international had already been questioned during earlier stages of the case. Whether he will eventually testify at trial remains a matter for the court and legal authorities handling the proceedings.
The case continues to be closely followed by football fans, legal observers, and the wider sports community. For now, the latest court decision simply clears the path for a trial to take place.
The question of guilt or innocence has not been decided and will only be determined after the criminal court hears the evidence and reaches its verdict on Hakimi.p
