Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi ordered to stand trial for rape in France after losing appeal

Court of appeal rejects challenge

On Friday June 19, the Versailles Court of Appeal confirmed that Achraf Hakimi must stand trial before a criminal court on a charge of rape. The decision followed a February 2026 referral by an investigating judge which Hakimi had appealed. The appeal court found "sufficient evidence" to proceed, according to a statement cited by Le Parisien. No date has been set for the trial.

Timeline of the case

The legal process has unfolded over more than three years. A summary of milestones is shown below.

Hakimi’s response

Hakimi, currently in the United States with Morocco’s World Cup squad, posted a statement on X shortly after the ruling. He wrote that he had been waiting for the trial "since day one" and was now "looking forward to it". Referring to his fame, he said a judge had told him, "If you weren’t famous, there never would have been a case." His lawyer Fanny Colin argued that the charging decision ignored contradictions and inconsistencies in the accuser’s account.

“Today, a story that is not mine is being told at the expense of my family, my life, and above all, the truth. Sometimes I feel like I’ve become an easy target. I’ve been waiting for this trial since day one. And now I’m looking forward to it. Finally, I will be able to speak.”

Plaintiff’s relief and hope

The complainant, a woman who was 24 at the time of the alleged incident, welcomed the ruling through her lawyer Rachel-Flore Pardo. Pardo said on X that the decision brought her client "relief and hope" after more than three years of legal proceedings. She noted that six magistrates had found sufficient incriminating evidence to justify the trial, and expressed hope that it would help other victims of sexual violence.

“After more than three years of legal battles, after being slandered and dragged through the mud by Achraf Hakimi’s defence, this decision brings my client relief and hope. Relief at having been heard by the justice system and at having the right to a trial. The hope is that this trial will help other women.”

The alleged February 2023 incident

The case dates to February 2023, when the woman reported that Hakimi assaulted her at his home near Paris. The two had met on Instagram, and the woman told police she was driven to his residence in a car ordered by the player. She alleged that Hakimi kissed and touched her without consent before raping her, and that she escaped with help from a friend she contacted by text message. Hakimi was formally placed under investigation in March 2023 and has consistently denied wrongdoing.

World Cup timing

The court’s announcement came hours before Morocco’s second Group C match against Scotland in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Hakimi, the captain, played the full 90 minutes of the opening 1–1 draw with Brazil on June 13. He is expected to start against Scotland. The case does not currently appear to affect his participation in the tournament, though the trial date remains unknown.