ACHRAF HAKIMI TO STAND TRIAL ON RAPE CHARGES

Achraf Hakimi, a right back for Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco, will stand trial on rape charges after a Versailles appeals court determined on Friday that sufficient evidence exists to proceed. Hakimi is accused of sexually assaulting a woman in March 2023 at his home in the greater Paris area. The court's decision came on the same day Morocco played its second World Cup group stage match against Scotland. Hakimi denied the accusations on social media, stating that he had remained silent for years and that he welcomed the trial to speak.

The alleged victim's legal representative, Rachel-Flore Pardo, told the Associated Press that the decision brought the woman "relief" and "hope". Pardo said the woman was relieved to be heard by the justice system and expressed hope that the trial would encourage other women to come forward and challenge what she described as denial and impunity surrounding sexual violence in football. Hakimi, 27, is regarded as one of the world's leading right backs and has played a significant role in both PSG's and Morocco's recent achievements. PSG won its second consecutive Champions League title in May against Arsenal, and Morocco finished fourth at the 2022 World Cup. No trial date has been announced.

The case marks a significant moment in ongoing discussions about accountability within professional football. Morocco opened the 2026 World Cup with a 1-1 draw against Brazil in Group C. The trial will proceed in the French courts, with the exact date to be determined by judicial authorities.