Morocco and Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi says he has been waiting for a trial “since day one” after a French appeals court upheld a decision to send a rape case against him to criminal court.
The 27-year-old, who has consistently denied the allegations made against him in February 2023, broke his silence following the ruling by the Versailles Court of Appeal on Friday.
Hakimi said he remained confident that the judicial process would ultimately vindicate him and claimed the case would never have reached court had he not been a high-profile footballer.
“Justice looked me in the eye and said to me: If you were not a well-known person, this case would not have existed in the first place,” Hakimi said.
“I chose to remain silent for years, and I believed that having dignity, patience, and trust in justice would lead to the right decision.”
The Morocco international has maintained his innocence throughout the investigation and described the allegations against him as false.
French authorities opened an investigation after a young woman accused Hakimi of rape in February 2023. Prosecutors later recommended that the case be referred to a criminal court, a decision that was challenged by the player’s legal team.
However, the Versailles Court of Appeal has now upheld the referral, meaning the case will proceed to trial. No date has yet been announced.
Despite the ruling, Hakimi remains available for both club and country while legal proceedings continue. He is currently part of Morocco’s squad at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In his statement, Hakimi said the case had taken a significant personal toll and expressed frustration at what he believes has been a distorted portrayal of events.
“Today, a story that has nothing to do with me is being told at the expense of my family, my life, and the truth itself,” he said.
“Sometimes I feel like I’ve become an easy target.”
The defender added that he was eager for the case to finally be heard in court, arguing that the trial would provide him with an opportunity to publicly address the allegations.
“I’ve been waiting for this trial since day one, and I’m eagerly awaiting it now,” he said.
“Finally, I’ll be able to speak.”
The trial will examine the evidence presented by both sides before a court reaches a final verdict.
