Hakimi To Stand Trial After French Court Rejects Final Appeal

Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi will stand trial in France after the country’s highest court rejected his appeal against a decision referring him to trial over allegations of rape.

The Court of Cassation dismissed Hakimi’s appeal on Wednesday, clearing the way for the case to proceed before the departmental criminal court of Hauts-de-Seine.

The case stems from allegations made by a woman who said she was sexually assaulted at Hakimi’s home in Boulogne-Billancourt, near Paris, in February 2023. Hakimi has consistently denied the allegations and maintained his innocence.

The legal proceedings have passed through several stages. An investigating judge ordered the 27-year-old to stand trial in February, a decision Hakimi challenged.

However, the Versailles Court of Appeal upheld his referral on June 19, prompting the Morocco international to take the case to the Court of Cassation.

His latest appeal challenged the legal decision to send him to trial rather than the substance of the allegations. The Court of Cassation’s ruling therefore does not determine Hakimi’s guilt or innocence.

The case will now proceed to trial before the departmental criminal court of Hauts-de-Seine, although no date has yet been announced.

Following the Court of Appeal’s decision in June, Hakimi said he was looking forward to the trial, where he would have the opportunity to present his version of events publicly.

Despite the ongoing proceedings, Hakimi has continued his professional football career and remains an important player for both PSG and Morocco.

He also represented the Atlas Lions at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.