Achraf Hakimi faces sexual assault trial in France amid World Cup 2026

The Versailles Court of Appeal in France has ordered a criminal trial for Moroccan captain and Paris Saint‑Germain defender Achraf Hakimi on allegations of sexual assault. The accusation stems from an incident in February 2023 at Hakimi’s apartment in Boulogne‑Billancourt, where a 24‑year‑old woman reported that she was forced into sexual acts without consent. French authorities have kept the case open since March 2023 and imposed control measures on the player.

Hakimi has denied the charges, describing the encounter as consensual and claiming he is the target of an extortion scheme. He has appealed previous attempts to halt the proceedings, which were rejected by the appellate court. The trial is set to proceed after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, during which Hakimi will represent Morocco. The case has attracted widespread media attention, sparking debate over gender‑based violence in sport and prompting public support from teammate Kylian Mbappé. Evidence cited by investigators includes text messages exchanged around the time of the alleged assault, some of which describe the woman’s distress and others suggesting possible recruitment for financial gain.