Full Breakdown
Achraf Hakimi Ordered to Stand Trial as World Cup Continues
6/20/2026, 9:35:56 PM
Core Event: French Appeals Court Confirms Trial
On 19 June 2026 the Versailles Court of Appeal rejected Achraf Hakimi’s bid to dismiss the case, confirming that the PSG defender and Morocco captain must stand trial on rape charges. The ruling was issued hours before Morocco’s Group C match against Scotland at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Background & Legal Timeline
- February 2023 – A 24-year-old woman alleges that Hakimi raped her at his home in Boulogne-Billancourt, a Paris suburb.
- March 2023 – The woman files a police report; the Nanterre prosecutor’s office opens a preliminary investigation.
- February 2026 – An investigating judge orders the matter to proceed to trial.
- June 2026 – Hakimi appeals; the Versailles Court of Appeal upholds the trial order.
- Trial date – Not yet set; the case will be heard in a criminal court in the Hauts-de-Seine department.
Key Figures & Legal Parties
- Achraf Hakimi – 27-year-old PSG right-back and captain of Morocco’s national team.
- Plaintiff – The complainant, 24, identified in media as “Jeanne.”
- Rachel-Flore Pardo – Lawyer for the plaintiff.
- Fanny Colin – Hakimi’s defense attorney.
- French prosecutors – Nanterre office leading the case.
Official Statements & Responses
The appellate court stated that the investigation produced “sufficient evidence” to merit a criminal trial. Pardo said the decision brings “relief and hope” for her client and could help weaken denial of sexual violence in men’s football. Hakimi posted on X that fame made him a target and that he has been “waiting for this trial since the first day.” Colin argued that “the multitude of exculpatory elements uncovered… would, in any other case, have led to the dismissal of the proceedings.”
Criticism & Opposition
Hakimi’s defense contends that contradictions in the complainant’s testimony and her alleged concealment of information undermine the case, asserting that the matter would have been dismissed were it not for his public profile. The plaintiff’s side accuses the defense of defamation and of dragging the complainant through the media.
Data & Statistics
- Plaintiff age: 24 years.
- Hakimi age: 27 years.
- Alleged incident: February 2023.
- Investigation start: March 2023.
- Trial order: February 2026.
- Appeal denial: 19 June 2026.
- Morocco’s World Cup group: Brazil (1-1 draw), Scotland, Haiti.
Why It Matters
The case spotlights the legal exposure of high-profile athletes and the challenges of pursuing sexual-violence allegations against celebrated figures. Its outcome may influence future handling of similar accusations in professional sport and could affect Hakimi’s availability for Morocco and PSG, especially if later World Cup rounds require travel to Canada or Mexico, where entry could be restricted.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the precise description of the location, citing “Boulogne-Billancourt,” “a Paris suburb,” or simply “Paris.” All agree the alleged incident occurred in February 2023. No official comment from PSG or the Moroccan Football Federation appears in the available material, and the exact trial date remains unknown.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Justice looked me in the eye and told me: ‘If you were not famous, there would never have been a case.' I chose to remain silent for years. I believed that staying dignified, being patient, and trusting the justice system would allow the right decisions to be made,” — Achraf Hakimi, X post
- “I have been waiting for this trial since the first day. And I am now waiting for it impatiently. Finally, I will be able to speak.” — Achraf Hakimi, X post
- “Relief that she has been heard by the justice system and will have her case heard at trial,” — Rachel-Flore Pardo, statement to AP
- “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, lawyer for Hakimi
What’s Next
The criminal court in Hauts-de-Seine will set a trial date in the coming weeks. Hakimi will continue to captain Morocco in the World Cup while his legal team prepares for the hearing, and PSG will monitor any impact on his club duties.
