Achraf Hakimi will stand trial on rape charges after losing an appeal a Versailles appeal court.
The PSG and Morocco right-back has been charged relating to an incident alleged to have occurred in February 2023.
The Athletic write that Hakimi was charged in March 2023 and has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Achraf Hakimi appeal turned down due to 'sufficient evidence' for trial
The French appeal court concluded that there was sufficient evidence for Hakimi to stand trial.
No date has yet been set for the trial, and Hakimi appears set to remain with the Morocco squad for the World Cup having started their opening game against Brazil.
The lawyer for the plaintiff, Rachel Flore-Pardo, wrote on X: "The investigating chamber has ruled that there is sufficient evidence against Achraf Hakimi for committing rape.
“This decision is perfectly consistent with the evidence in the case and in line with the opinions of the public prosecutor, the investigating judge, and the advocate general at the Court of Appeal.
“Six judges therefore determined that the numerous incriminating elements justify indicting Achraf Hakimi before the Departmental Criminal Court for rape.
“After more than three years of legal battles, after being slandered and dragged through the mud by Achraf Hakimi’s defence, this decision brings my client relief and hope.
“Relief at having been heard by the justice system and at having the right to a trial. The hope is that this trial will help other women, and further crack the fortress of denial and impunity surrounding sexual violence, even in the world of men’s football.”
Hakimi's lawyer had argued that the case should be dismissed, telling the Associated Press: "The multitude of exculpatory elements uncovered during the investigation and judicial inquiry would, in any other case, have led to the dismissal of the proceedings.
“Achraf Hakimi’s defence regrets that no consequences were drawn from the contradictions and false statements made by the complainant, her concealment of information from the judicial authorities, her obstruction of the search for the truth, and the psychological assessments noting both her ambivalence and her lack of clarity regarding the events she reported."
Hakimi himself wrote on X following the decision: “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 at the expense of my family, my life, and above all, the truth. Sometimes I feel like I’ve become an easy target.
“I’ve been waiting for this trial since day one. And now I’m looking forward to it. Finally, I will be able to speak.”
