Achraf Hakimi has broken his silence after a French appeals court ruled that he must stand trial over an alleged rape case dating back to 2023.
The Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco defender had appealed against a previous decision to send the case to a criminal court, but French media reports on Friday claim the Versailles Court of Appeal rejected that appeal, meaning the case will now proceed to trial at a later date.
No trial date has yet been confirmed.
Hakimi, 27, has consistently denied the allegation. The case stems from an accusation made by a 24-year-old woman following an alleged incident at the footballer’s home near Paris in February 2023. French prosecutors subsequently opened an investigation before formally charging the Morocco international.
Following the court’s latest decision, Hakimi issued a statement on social media in which he welcomed the opportunity to finally present his version of events in court.
“Today, a story that isn’t mine is being told at the expense of my family, my life, and above all, the truth,” he wrote.
“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’ll be able to speak out.”
According to reports, the appeals court determined there was sufficient evidence for the matter to be heard in a criminal court, rejecting Hakimi’s attempt to have the case dismissed. The player and his legal team continue to deny any wrongdoing.
Hakimi’s lawyer has previously argued that the footballer’s celebrity status played a role in the decision to pursue the case and has maintained that her client is innocent. She has also stressed that being sent to trial does not constitute a finding of guilt.
The decision comes during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Hakimi is currently representing Morocco. Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, he remains available for selection while awaiting trial.
Under French law, Hakimi is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
