Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi will stand trial in France over rape allegations dating back to 2023. The Morocco international strongly denies the accusation.
French prosecutors in Nanterre confirmed this week that they have referred the case to trial. Authorities opened their investigation in 2023 after a woman accused Hakimi of raping her at his home in Paris.
Hakimi has rejected the claim from the outset. Hakimi addressed the matter on the social media platform X, saying he remains confident the trial will clear his name. “Today, a rape accusation is enough to justify a trial, even though I deny it and everything proves it’s false,” he wrote.
“This is as unjust to the innocent as it is to genuine victims. I calmly await this trial, which will allow the truth to come out publicly.”
His lawyer confirmed that a court has ordered the trial. However, officials have not yet announced a date. Under French law, Hakimi remains presumed innocent unless the court finds him guilty.
The case returned to headlines on the eve of PSG’s UEFA Champions League fixture against AS Monaco. Despite the legal developments, PSG selected Hakimi in the starting eleven.
The match ended in a 2-2 draw in the knockout round play-off tie. Hakimi, 27, has built one of the strongest defensive reputations in European football. He has made close to 200 appearances for PSG and helped the club win the UEFA Champions League and Ligue 1 titles last season.
Earlier this week, organisers included him in the FIFPRO Men’s World Team of the Year at the Best FIFA Football Awards ceremony in Paris.
World Cup Build-Up Adds Pressure
The legal proceedings unfold as Morocco prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The team will face Scotland, Haiti and Brazil in the tournament hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Born in Spain, Hakimi chose to represent Morocco internationally. He has earned more than 90 caps across youth and senior levels.
The pending trial introduces uncertainty during what would otherwise be a crucial period for club and country. In a separate case involving an African footballer, a Zimbabwean court has sentenced former Kaizer Chiefs striker Abbas Amidu to 12 years in prison for drug trafficking.
Authorities arrested Amidu in October 2025 alongside former footballer Reuben Kudzai Mhlanga. Police impounded their vehicle and later charged them with transporting dagga (cannabis).
The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed the sentencing in a public statement. “The two appeared in court on February 24 2026 for sentencing and were each sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment,” police said.
Police added that the convictions demonstrate that crime does not pay. Amidu once ranked among Zimbabwe’s promising prospects. He began his career at Aces Youth Academy, which also produced Knowledge Musona and Khama Billiat.
He later played for Kaizer Chiefs and Black Leopards in South Africa’s Premier Soccer League. His career also took him to Egypt’s Baladiyat El Mahalla SC before he left in 2020.
Unlike Hakimi’s case, a court has convicted and sentenced Amidu. Hakimi faces allegations and awaits trial. French courts have not yet determined his guilt or innocence. Amidu, by contrast, has received a formal conviction and sentence.
Both stories remind supporters that legal proceedings can quickly shift football careers from headlines of triumph to courtrooms.
