France's Court of Cassation dismissed Hakimi's appeal on Wednesday, confirming his referral to trial on a rape charge. The Moroccan international continues to play for Paris Saint‑Germain amid the legal proceedings.
On Wednesday, France's Court of Cassation issued its ruling rejecting Moroccan international Achraf Hakimi's appeal and confirming his referral to trial on a rape charge. The accusation was first lodged in March 2026 after a French woman alleged she was raped in Hakimi's Paris apartment.
Decision details
The court found the prosecution's evidence sufficient to continue criminal proceedings, therefore denying the defence's request to dismiss the case. No immediate penalty was imposed; the ruling merely orders the defendant to appear before the Paris Criminal Court for a full trial.
- Referral date: 23 September 2026.
- Charge: Rape under French Penal Code article 222‑23.
- Competent court: Paris Criminal Court.
From a sporting perspective, Paris Saint‑Germain stated that Hakimi will remain in training and available for selection unless a judicial decision specifically restricts him. The club said it will monitor the legal developments closely while upholding the presumption of innocence.
Fans of Hakimi in Morocco and France are divided; some rally behind the player demanding his exoneration, while others call for transparency and a fair trial. Analysts note that the case could impact Hakimi's reputation and his role with the Moroccan national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Published: