Morocco international Achraf Hakimi has reportedly continued his legal challenge in France after appearing before the investigating chamber of the Versailles Court of Appeal in an effort to have rape allegations against him dismissed.
According to reports in the French media, the Paris Saint-Germain defender personally attended the hearing alongside his lawyer, Fanny Collin, as part of an appeal against the decision to refer the case to criminal court.
French outlet Foot Mercato reported that Hakimi appeared in person to reaffirm his innocence while legal proceedings continue. His lawyer reportedly declined to comment publicly following the session.
The case, which has been under investigation since 2023, remains one of the most closely followed legal matters involving a high-profile footballer in France. Judicial authorities are now expected to determine whether the original investigating judge’s ruling should stand or be overturned.
The anticipated decision comes at a critical moment in Hakimi’s season, with the defender preparing for one of the biggest matches of his club career.
Paris Saint-Germain are due to face Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League final, scheduled to take place in Budapest on Saturday, 30 May, with kick-off set for 19:00 Cairo time.
Hakimi has been an important figure for the French champions during their European campaign, helping the club reach the final after overcoming Bayern Munich in the semi-finals.
Arsenal, meanwhile, secured their own place in the final after defeating Atletico Madrid in the last four of the competition.
The legal developments surrounding Hakimi are unfolding while attention increasingly shifts toward the European showpiece in Budapest. The defender’s court appearance has added further scrutiny ahead of the final, although reports indicate the player remains focused on his preparations with PSG.
French judicial authorities have not yet confirmed when a final decision regarding the appeal will be announced. The ruling is expected to determine whether the case proceeds to criminal court or whether the earlier decision could be reversed.
Hakimi has consistently denied wrongdoing since the allegations first emerged, according to reports surrounding the case. His decision to appear personally before the investigating chamber was widely interpreted in the French media as an attempt to reinforce his position as he contests the accusations.
Neither Paris Saint-Germain nor Hakimi’s legal representatives have issued further public comments following the latest hearing.
With the Champions League final approaching, the outcome of the appeal could become a major talking point in both French football and wider European sporting circles, particularly given Hakimi’s prominent role within the PSG squad.
The final against Arsenal now looms as the defender balances preparations for one of football’s biggest occasions alongside ongoing legal uncertainty in France.
