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Achraf Hakimi ordered to stand trial for rape in France
France’s Court of Appeal in Versailles has rejected Achraf Hakimi’s request to overturn a lower‑court decision and confirmed that the PSG defender and Morocco captain will be tried for an alleged rape that took place at his Paris home in February 2023. The case, brought by a 24‑year‑old woman who said Hakimi forced herself on her after meeting on Instagram, was referred to the criminal court of the Hauts‑de‑Seine department. Hakimi has consistently denied any wrongdoing and his lawyer argues that the evidence is insufficient. The ruling arrives as Morocco prepares for its World Cup 2026 match against Scotland, and the player has said he will finally be able to speak, writing that he feels he has become an “easy target”. The plaintiff’s counsel welcomed the decision as giving her client relief and hope. French prosecutors indicated that sufficient proof exists to proceed, and the trial date has not yet been set. The case also mentions teammate Kylian Mbappé as a potential witness, highlighting the broader impact on football’s handling of serious criminal accusations.