Morocco football captain Hakimi to stand trial in France on rape charge
A French court has ruled that Achraf Hakimi, captain of Morocco's national football team and a Paris Saint-Germain defender, must stand trial on a rape charge, the BBC reported. The player denies the allegation and his lawyers said they would appeal. The decision creates uncertainty for Morocco's World Cup squad.
A Paris regional court has ordered Achraf Hakimi to stand trial on the rape allegation. BBC Africa reported that the investigation, which opened in 2023, was placed on the trial calendar after a preliminary oral hearing. Hakimi's lawyers categorically denied the accusations and said they would appeal the decision.
The ruling has put the Morocco Football Federation in a difficult position. In a brief statement, the federation said "Hakimi enjoys the full presumption of innocence throughout the judicial process" but declined further comment. Paris Saint-Germain said it had been informed and was monitoring the legal situation closely.
The hearings are expected to open in the coming months. Legal observers said the process could extend through the year, which may overshadow Morocco's World Cup squad preparation. Moroccan media have begun to discuss potential replacement candidates for the captaincy.
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