Achraf Hakimi to stand trial for rape after referral upheld | OneFootball

Achraf Hakimi will stand trial for rape after the Versailles Court of Appeal confirmed his referral to the Hauts-de-Seine departmental criminal court, rejecting his challenge to the indictment.

According to L'Équipe, the court’s investigating chamber found there were sufficient charges to commit the Paris Saint-Germain defender for trial after dismissing his appeal. He had sought the case to be dropped.

The case concerns alleged rape reported by a young woman who met Hakimi on Instagram and visited his home in February 2023. He has been under formal investigation since then and denies any offence. During hearings, his lawyers disputed the complainant’s credibility, while her representatives argued the file warranted a criminal trial.

The ruling clears the way for a hearing before the departmental criminal court in the coming months. Judges will assess the accusations, testimony and evidence before delivering a verdict. He could be acquitted or convicted, and remains presumed innocent.

Hakimi is currently in the United States with Morocco for the World Cup.

Source: L'Équipe