Morocco defender Hakimi faces trial after France’s top court ruling

By Tosin Omojola

Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi will stand trial over a rape allegation after France’s highest court, the Court of Cassation, rejected his final appeal on Wednesday.

Hakimi had challenged a decision sending him to trial over an allegation dating back to February 2023. The Versailles appeals court had upheld the decision in June.

Hakimi has consistently denied the allegation. His lawyer stressed that the Court of Cassation did not examine the facts of the case, which will now be considered during the trial.

A date for the trial has not yet been set. Hakimi remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.