The Investigating Chamber of the Versailles Court of Appeal confirmed on June 19 the order referring Achraf Hakimi to the Hauts-de-Seine Criminal Court. The Moroccan international and Paris Saint-Germain defender will therefore stand trial in the coming months on a charge of rape.
Hakimi’s referral to trial comes after the court rejected a request from his defense team to dismiss the case. During a hearing held on May 22 before the Versailles Court of Appeal, the player challenged a ruling issued on February 24 by the investigating judge, who concluded that the evidence gathered justified holding a trial.
Court Upholds Trial Decision
The judicial investigation stems from allegations reported on February 25, 2023. A young woman went to a police station in Nogent-sur-Marne and stated that she had been raped at the footballer’s home during the previous night. Although she chose not to file a formal complaint, the Nanterre prosecutor’s office opened an investigation.
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Since the beginning of the proceedings, Achraf Hakimi has firmly denied the accusations. He acknowledges only consensual physical contact and maintains that the alleged rape never occurred. His defense has pointed to several elements in his favor, including alleged inconsistencies in the complainant’s statements and her refusal to take part in certain investigative measures requested during the inquiry.
The criminal court will now be responsible for examining the evidence in an adversarial process and determining whether the alleged facts are proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The trial is not expected to take place for several months. Among the potential witnesses is Kylian Mbappé, whose statements were reportedly included in the case file during the investigation. In accordance with the presumption of innocence, Achraf Hakimi remains presumed innocent unless and until a final conviction is issued. Following the ruling, Hakimi reacted on social media, stating that he had waited for a trial since the first day and was now looking forward to finally being able to speak publicly about the case.
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