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Rabat – More than three years after rape allegations against Morocco’s superstar Achraf Hakimi emerged in 2023, a French court decided to confirm that the football player will stand trial.
The decision comes at a moment when Hakimi is enjoying the finest period of his professional career, with Hakimi establishing himself among the world’s elite footballers. And guess what? He is also the best right-back in the world, with recognition from the international sporting community in consensus.
The timing of the court’s decision drew particular attention, with his fans and non-fans questioning this particular moment in which the court decided to confirm he will stand trial, a decision that his lawyer herself emphasized was “no news.”
Lawyer Fanny Colin, quoted by French media, said the confirmation “was expected. Nothing here says that he is guilty of anything; he remains steadfast in his defense.”
Hakimi’s lawyer also commented on the case and told RMC Sport that the investigation has uncovered many elements in his favor, and in any other similar case, they believe it would have led to the case being dropped.
“The defense of Achraf Hakimi laments that no consequences were drawn from the contradictions and lies of the civil party, her concealment from the judicial authorities, her obstruction of the search for truth, as well as her psychological assessments noting her ambivalence and lack of clarity regarding the events she reported,” she stated.
The lawyer emphasized how Hakimi is now impatient and is awaiting his trial in order to finally be able to speak publicly about the false accusation of which he is the subject.
The case will now be heard by the Hauts-de-Seine criminal court, which will be tasked with weighing both versions of events. Kylian Mbappé is expected to be called as a witness during the proceedings.
The case, which has been away from the headlines for months now, suddenly returned to the headlines at a time when Hakimi’s achievements and his presence in the World Cup dominate international football discussions.
The timing has inevitably reignited debate around several other factors that could be behind this eruption of the case, including how France was incensed following Ayyoub Bouaddi’s joining of Morocco and his decision to represent Morocco instead of France.
The news has been lamented and deeply rejected by many French media outlets, who see the case as a great loss for France.
Again, it is not only Hakimi’s World Cup participation but also the court’s decision to refer him to trial on one of the important days, only hours before the Morocco vs Scotland game, another group stage match that is decisive for the Atlas Lions in their 2026 FIFA World Cup journey.
And this is not the only time. The case has always returned to headlines whenever the Atlas Lions are in the spotlight, including in the Champions League.
Read Also: Hakimi Rape Allegations Return to Headlines Ahead of Champions League Final
Hakimi determined to speak the truth
Hakimi responded to the court’s decision, emphasizing that the decision is not a setback but rather a relief, as it will allow him to finally present his version of events after more than three years of silence.
He emphasized that this case was influenced by his public profile.
“Justice looked me in the eye and told me: ‘If you weren’t a public figure, there would never have been a case,’” he wrote.
Hakimi stressed that he chose to remain silent for years, believing that “maintaining my dignity, being patient, and trusting the justice system would allow the right decisions to be made.”
“Today, a story that is not mine is being told at the expense of my family, my life, and above all, the truth. At times, I feel that I have become an easy target,” Hakimi said, stating that he has been waiting for this trial since day one. “And now, I am looking forward to it. At last, I will be able to speak,” he concluded.
A look back at the ‘case’
The Nanterre prosecutor’s office opened an investigation in 2023 after a woman accused Hakimi of alleged rape.
The case dates back to February 2023, when a 24-year-old woman accused Hakimi of allegedly forcing her into a non-consensual sexual act at his home near Paris.
According to the woman’s allegations, she met the footballer through Instagram and was driven to his house in a car he arranged.
She claimed he kissed and touched her even after she said no, adding she managed to push him away and later called a friend to pick her up.
Hakimi has strongly denied the accusations against him.
In September last year, the international football player opened up about the allegations, stressing that they impacted not only him but also his family and children.
In the interview, Hakimi said the allegations are a lie.
“I know that I have not done anything and that I would never do that,” Hakimi said. He added that he is at peace, hoping that the truth will soon be revealed.
“It hurts. It hurts my family, my children, who are still young and don’t know what the internet or reading is. I know that at some point in their lives they will read these things, and for me, seeing that something about their father was written—and on top of that, that it’s a lie, is not something pleasant. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone,” he said.
Messages found by investigators show the woman was texting a friend throughout the visit to Hakimi’s place. She claimed she was being assaulted, but also said in her police statement that Hakimi “was not violent.” Her friend came to collect her afterwards.
Some messages sent before the meeting also raised questions. In the messages, the woman and her friend joked and referred to playing the role of a “femme fatale.” One message said they were going to “crack the codes” and “rob him.” Hakimi’s lawyer said these messages suggest a possible attempt to financially blackmail him.
Several reports also emphasized how the complainant relied solely on words and allegations, obstructing investigations.
TVC News said that the defense argued that the complainant refused all medical examinations and DNA tests and refused to give the names of alleged key witnesses.
Moreover, Hakimi’s lawyer, speaking to the AFP news agency of the complainant’s refusal, said: “A trial has been ordered on the basis of an accusation that rests solely on the word of a woman who obstructed all investigations, refused all medical examinations and DNA tests, refused to allow her mobile phone to be examined, and refused to give the name of a key witness.”
A report from France 24 earlier also emphasized that Hakimi’s legal team confirmed the complainant refused to do all medical examinations and DNA tests.
She also refused to have her mobile phone examined and refused to give the name of a key witness.
In February, Hakimi again opened up on the case, denying the accusation and said he remains confident that the truth will come out.
“Today, a rape accusation is enough to justify a trial even though I contest it and everything shows that it is false. It is just as unfair to the innocent as it is to genuine victims,” Hakimi wrote.
