Achraf Hakimi, Paris Saint-Germain defender, has been ordered to stand trial in a rape case dating back to February 2023. Hakimi shared the news on social media, maintaining his innocence and stating, “I calmly await this trial, which will allow the truth to come out publicly.”
The allegation involves a 24-year-old woman who accused Hakimi of assaulting her in his Paris home. Preliminary charges of rape were filed in March 2023, indicating that judges found strong reason to suspect a crime but allowed time for further investigation before sending the case to trial.
Hakimi’s lawyer, Fanny Colin, challenged the credibility of the accusation, citing the plaintiff’s refusal to participate in medical examinations, DNA testing, or provide access to key evidence. Conversely, the plaintiff’s lawyer, Rachel-Flore Pardo, welcomed the trial order as consistent with the evidence in the case and highlighted broader challenges in addressing sexual assault in men’s professional football.
PSG head coach Luis Enrique emphasized that the matter is now in the hands of the justice system and that it does not currently affect Hakimi’s role on the team.
