**Title: Moroccan Football Star Achraf Hakimi to Stand Trial on Rape Charge**
Moroccan football player Achraf Hakimi is set to stand trial in France on a rape charge that he has consistently denied. This development comes after a French appeals court upheld a previous decision to refer the case to a criminal court. The news was reported on Friday, coinciding with Hakimi's participation in the FIFA World Cup, where he is representing Morocco in a Group C match against Scotland.
Hakimi, who plays as a defender for Paris Saint-Germain and has previously been with Real Madrid, is currently in the United States with the Moroccan national team for the tournament. The allegations against him stem from a complaint made by a 24-year-old woman who reported to police in February 2023 that Hakimi had raped her at his residence near Paris. Following this complaint, French prosecutors initiated an investigation in March, leading to an investigating judge's order for a trial in February of the following year.
The football star appealed the order for trial, but the Versailles Court of Appeal rejected his appeal, allowing the criminal proceedings to move forward. Throughout the legal process, Hakimi has maintained his innocence, expressing his eagerness for the trial to commence. In a post on social media platform X, he stated, “I’ve been waiting for this trial since day one. And now I’m eagerly awaiting it. Finally, I’ll be able to speak.” He further emphasized his belief in the justice system, suggesting that the case would not have advanced to court had he not been a public figure. Hakimi also noted the personal toll the allegations have taken on his family and his life.
The lawyer for the complainant, Rachel-Flore Pardo, expressed satisfaction with the appeals court's decision, stating that it brings her client “relief and hope” after more than three years of legal proceedings.
As Morocco competes in the World Cup, all of their group-stage matches are being held in the United States. However, should they progress to the knockout stages, Hakimi could face complications regarding travel if matches are scheduled in Canada or Mexico. This situation is reminiscent of a recent incident involving Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey, who missed a World Cup opener due to being denied entry into Canada while facing similar legal challenges in Britain.
The case continues to attract significant media attention, reflecting the intersection of sports, celebrity, and legal issues. As the trial approaches, both Hakimi and the complainant await the next steps in a case that has implications for both their futures and the broader conversation surrounding allegations of sexual misconduct in the public eye.