MOROCCO'S World Cup captain Achraf Hakimi must face trial for allegedly raping a woman, French prosecutors have confirmed.
The Versailles Court of Appeal confirmed on Friday that the Paris St Germain defender must face trial after it was reported in France he had appealed against the investigating judge’s initial decision at the end of February.
It is alleged the 27-year-old raped a woman at his home in Paris when she was 24. Hakimi denies the accusations.
On the day he is due to lead his country in their second World Cup group game against Scotland in Boston, Hakimi responded on social media to the appeal court’s decision, saying “finally I will be able to speak”.
He said on Twitter/X: “Justice looked me in the eyes and said to me: ‘If you weren’t famous, there never would have been a case.’
“I chose to remain silent for years. I thought that staying dignified, being patient, and trusting the justice system would allow the right decisions to be made.
“Today, a story that is not mine is being told to the detriment of my family, my life, and above all, the truth.
“I sometimes get the feeling that I have become an easy target. I have been awaiting the trial since day one. And I await it now impatiently. At last, I will be able to speak.”
The alleged victim’s lawyer Rachel-Flore Pardo also posted a statement on X/Twitter, saying the appeal court’s decision was justified and “perfectly consistent with the elements of the file”.
She added: “Six magistrates considered that the many charges justify an indictment of Achraf Hakimi before the Departmental Criminal Court for rape.
“After more than three years of legal proceedings, and after my client was, in her view, defamed and dragged through the mud by Achraf Hakimi’s defence, this decision brings her relief and hope.
“Relief that she has been heard by the justice system and will have the right to a trial.
“Hope that this trial will help other women and further weaken the wall of denial and impunity surrounding sexual violence, including in the world of men’s football.”
No date has yet been given for the start of the trial but while Hakimi is currently based in the United States with the Morocco squad, it remains to be seen whether his pending court case affects his continued participation in the World Cup.
Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey, due to stand trial next year after denying seven charges of rape, missed his country’s opening game last week against Panama after being denied entry to co-host nation Canada.
Hakimi, who has helped club side PSG to back-to-back Champions League wins, has made 97 appearances for Morocco after making his debut in 2016 aged 17.
