Achraf Hakimi, defender for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and a Moroccan international, has been formally referred to trial in France over a rape allegation dating back to 2023.
French prosecutors confirmed on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, that the case will be examined by the criminal court of Hauts-de-Seine. The announcement by the Nanterre prosecutor’s office marks a significant development in the legal proceedings nearly three years after the initial complaint was filed.
The case stems from a complaint lodged in February 2023 by a young woman who alleges that the incident occurred at Hakimi’s residence in Boulogne-Billancourt, a suburb on the outskirts of Paris. According to reports, the two had connected via social media prior to the alleged incident.
Hakimi, now 27, was indicted in March 2023 following preliminary investigations. Since then, he has consistently denied the accusation and maintained that he is innocent of the charge.
In a statement shared on social media, Hakimi reiterated his position, saying: “Today, an accusation of rape is enough to justify a trial, even though I contest it and everything shows that it is false.” He further stated that he is awaiting the judicial process “with calm, which will allow the truth to be revealed publicly.”
Under French law, Hakimi remains presumed innocent until proven guilty. The referral to criminal court does not constitute a conviction but indicates that prosecutors believe there is sufficient evidence for the matter to be examined at trial. A specific trial date has not yet been announced.
If found guilty, Hakimi could face a prison sentence of up to 15 years. However, no verdict has been issued, and the legal process will now allow both the prosecution and the defence to present their arguments before the court.
Hakimi’s legal team has challenged key aspects of the prosecution’s case, arguing that inconsistencies and evidence support his claim of innocence. Prosecutors, on the other hand, maintain that the case warrants judicial examination.
Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Hakimi continues to be listed in PSG’s squad for upcoming fixtures. The club has not publicly removed him from team activities, and he remains eligible to play while the case progresses through the courts.
The development has drawn significant media attention, given Hakimi’s prominence in European football. As a key player for both PSG and the Moroccan national team, the outcome of the case could have far-reaching implications for his career.
For now, the matter remains in the hands of the French judicial system. The upcoming trial will determine whether the allegations are substantiated, with the final decision resting with the criminal court in Hauts-de-Seine.
