The legal proceedings involving Achraf Hakimi have entered a new stage after France’s highest court confirmed that the Moroccan international will face trial in connection with a rape allegation dating back to 2023.
On Wednesday, September 23, the French Court of Cassation rejected the appeal filed by the Paris Saint-Germain defender, clearing the way for proceedings before the departmental criminal court of Hauts-de-Seine. The court’s decision concerned whether the case could proceed to trial; it did not determine Hakimi’s guilt or innocence.
The Morocco captain has consistently denied the allegations since the beginning of the investigation.
The Case Moves Toward Trial
The case dates back to February 2023, when a woman made allegations concerning an encounter at Hakimi’s home in Boulogne-Billancourt.
Hakimi was subsequently placed under formal investigation in March 2023 and has maintained his denial of the allegations throughout the proceedings.
In February 2026, an investigating judge ordered that he be sent before the departmental criminal court. That decision was later confirmed on appeal, before the defender took his case to the Court of Cassation.
On September 23, the Court of Cassation rejected his appeal, meaning the trial can now proceed.
PSG Reaffirms Its Position
Following the latest decision, Paris Saint-Germain reiterated its position regarding its player.
The club emphasized that Hakimi has consistently contested the allegations and remains presumed innocent while the judicial process continues.
PSG also stated that it wants to provide the Moroccan with a professional environment that remains calm and respectful of fundamental legal principles.
At the same time, the club reaffirmed its broader commitment to combating all forms of violence, including sexual violence.
Hakimi’s Defense Maintains Its Position
The defender’s lawyer, Me Fanny Colin, also responded to the latest development.
She stressed that the Court of Cassation had not examined the underlying facts of the allegations, but rather the legal challenge brought before it.
Hakimi's defense maintains that he has cooperated with the police and judicial authorities and intends to continue doing so during the upcoming trial.
The defense has also indicated that it intends to present its arguments and evidence during proceedings where both sides will have the opportunity to be heard.
A Case That Has Followed His Career
The legal proceedings have continued alongside an important period in Hakimi’s football career.
The Moroccan has remained a key figure for Paris Saint-Germain and the national team, having established himself as one of the most prominent players in Moroccan football.
PSG’s official profile notes that he joined the club in 2021 and has since become an important part of its squad. He has also continued to play a central role for Morocco, including during the country’s historic World Cup campaigns.
The latest court decision therefore comes as the footballer continues his professional career while the judicial process moves toward its next stage.
The Trial Will Examine the Facts
The Court of Cassation’s decision means the case will now proceed toward trial, where the allegations and the defense’s arguments can be examined in full.
Until a final judicial determination is made, Hakimi remains legally presumed innocent.
For now, both the football and legal chapters of the story continue to develop separately, with the upcoming proceedings expected to determine the facts of the case through the judicial process.