While the Moroccan national team continues its preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup™, news from France has once again placed Achraf Hakimi in the media spotlight. The Paris Saint-Germain defender trained as usual alongside his teammates despite the French courts confirming that he will face trial on a rape charge filed in 2023.
The 27-year-old soccer player participated in the practice led by head coach Mohamed Ouahbi at The Pingry School in New Jersey, appearing calm and showing no physical or athletic limitations. The session took place just a few days after an appeals court in France rejected the appeal filed by the player’s defense team to avoid going to trial.
French Court Upholds Trial
The ruling was issued by the Versailles Court of Appeals, which upheld the previous decision of an investigating judge and supported the prosecution’s position, which considers that there is sufficient evidence to bring the case before a criminal court. No trial date has been set yet.
The case dates back to 2023, when a 24-year-old woman filed a complaint against the soccer player for an alleged sexual assault that occurred at the player’s residence on the outskirts of Paris. Since the beginning of the proceedings, Hakimi has denied the allegations and maintains that any interaction with the complainant was consensual.
Hakimi maintains his claim of innocence
After the court’s decision was announced, the Moroccan defender took to social media and stated that he is looking forward to the trial so he can present his version of events.
“I’ll finally be able to speak,” wrote the player, who also expressed his dissatisfaction with the proceedings and argued that his fame has influenced the way he has been treated by the French justice system.
His legal team has maintained the same line of argument and insists that the soccer player is innocent, while the complainant’s defense described the ruling as a significant step forward in the legal proceedings.
Morocco Stands Behind Its Captain
Despite the media buzz surrounding the news, Hakimi remains part of the Moroccan national team and has the support of the coaching staff and his teammates.
In fact, the fullback started and played the full 90 minutes in Morocco’s recent match against Scotland, although he was booed by a section of the fans in the stadium during the game. Coach Mohamed Ouahbi publicly reiterated his support for the player and highlighted his importance to the team.
For now, there is no indication that Hakimi will leave the World Cup training camp, so he will continue to be one of Morocco’s key players while the legal proceedings continue in France.
