Full Breakdown
French Appeals Court Confirms PSG Star Achraf Hakimi Will Face Rape Trial Ahead of World Cup Match
6/20/2026, 5:19:42 AM
Core Event: Court Confirms Trial for Moroccan Captain
On 19 June 2026 the Versailles Court of Appeal ordered that Achraf Hakimi, the 27-year-old Paris Saint-Germain defender and captain of Morocco’s national team, will stand trial for rape. The court found “sufficient evidence” to justify an indictment and referred the case to the criminal court in the Hauts-de-Seine department. No trial date has been set.
Background & Context: Allegations and Legal History
In February 2023 a 24-year-old woman, identified in media as “Jeanne,” reported to police in the Val-de-Marne region that Hakimi had raped her at his Paris-suburb home. She said she met Hakimi on Instagram in January 2023, traveled to his residence in a taxi he arranged, and was kissed, touched without consent and then raped. She pushed him away and texted a friend for assistance. A preliminary investigation began in March 2023, leading to Hakimi’s judicial supervision. An investigative judge ordered a trial in February 2026; Hakimi’s appeal was rejected by the appeals court.
Key Figures & Groups
- Achraf Hakimi – PSG right-back, Morocco captain, defendant.
- “Jeanne” – Complainant, pseudonym for the 24-year-old woman.
- Rachel-Flore Pardo – Lawyer for the plaintiff.
- Fanny Colin – Lawyer for Hakimi.
- Versailles Court of Appeal – French appellate court issuing the decision.
- Mohamed Ouahbi – Morocco head coach, who praised Hakimi’s performance.
Timeline
- Jan 2023 – Hakimi and the complainant connect on Instagram.
- Feb 2023 – Alleged rape occurs; complaint filed with police.
- Mar 2023 – Hakimi placed under judicial supervision.
- Feb 2026 – Investigative judge orders trial; Hakimi files appeal.
- 19 Jun 2026 – Appeals court upholds trial; decision announced hours before Morocco-Scotland World Cup match.
- Future – Trial date pending; World Cup group stage continues.
Data & Statistics
- Hakimi’s age: 27; complainant’s age at time of incident: 24.
- Alleged incident year: 2023; trial confirmation year: 2026.
- Morocco’s World Cup record at time of decision: 1-1 draw with Brazil, upcoming match vs Scotland.
- No trial date announced; court cited “sufficient evidence” for indictment.
Official Statements & Responses
Hakimi posted on X that “justice looked me in the eye and told me, ‘If you weren’t famous, there would never have been a case.’ I have been waiting for this trial since day one, and finally I will be able to speak.”
Fanny Colin said the decision was expected and does not imply guilt, emphasizing that exculpatory elements would have led to dismissal under normal circumstances.
Rachel-Flore Pardo described the ruling as “relief and hope” for her client and said the trial could help other women and weaken denial of sexual violence in men’s football.
Coach Mohamed Ouahbi, speaking through an interpreter, praised Hakimi’s performance against Brazil and said the player remained focused despite the legal issue.
Criticism & Opposition
Hakimi’s defense argues that contradictions in the complainant’s statements, her concealment of information, and ambiguous psychological assessments undermine the prosecution’s case. The lawyer contended that, absent Hakimi’s public profile, the investigation would not have proceeded, suggesting a disparity in how high-profile individuals are treated by the justice system.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Justice looked me in the eye and told me: ‘If you were not famous, there would never have been a case,’” — Achraf Hakimi, Player
- “After more than three years of legal proceedings, and after being defamed and dragged through the mud by Achraf Hakimi's defense, the court's decision brings my client a sense of relief and hope,” — Rachel-Flore Pardo, Plaintiff’s lawyer
- “The multitude of exculpatory elements uncovered during the investigation and judicial inquiry would, in any other case, have led to the dismissal of the proceedings,” — Fanny Colin, Hakimi’s lawyer
- “I want to explain myself. I want people to believe me.” — Jeanne, Complainant (pseudonym)
- “Finally, I will be able to speak.” — Achraf Hakimi, Player
What’s Next: Pending Trial and World Cup Implications
The criminal court in Hauts-de-Seine will set a trial date later in 2026. Meanwhile, Hakimi remains eligible for Morocco’s remaining World Cup matches, though his legal status could affect travel to future venues in Canada or Mexico if the team advances. The case continues to attract international media attention as it proceeds through the French judicial system.
