French court upholds rape trial for Hakimi

A French court on Friday confirmed that Moroccan footballer Achraf Hakimi will stand trial for rape.

Reacting, the 27-year-old footballer, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), said he was “eagerly awaiting” his trial.

Hakimi denied the allegations, adding that the trial will finally enable him to speak.

He wrote on X: “Justice looked me in the eyes and said to me: “If you weren’t famous, there never would have been a case.”

“I chose to remain silent for years. I thought that staying dignified, being patient, and trusting the justice system would allow the right decisions to be made.

“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.

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“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.”

In February 2023, a 24-year-old woman told police in the Val-De-Marne region southeast of Paris that Hakimi had raped her.

The PSG player and captain of the Moroccan national team, whose side are playing their second World Cup match on Friday against Scotland, has consistently denied the allegations.