What Happened to Achraf Hakimi Allegations?

The 'Achraf Hakimi Allegations' refer to a sexual assault case involving the prominent Moroccan footballer. The controversy began in February 2023 when a 24-year-old woman reported to police that Achraf Hakimi had raped her at his home in a Paris suburb. The woman stated she had met Hakimi via Instagram and traveled to his residence, where the alleged incident occurred. She initially did not wish to file a formal complaint but wanted to make a statement to prevent similar incidents from happening to others.

Following the report, French prosecutors initiated an investigation. On March 3, 2023, Hakimi was indicted by an investigating judge in Paris on preliminary charges of rape and placed under judicial supervision. This supervision included a ban on contacting the alleged victim, though he was permitted to leave French territory, allowing him to continue his professional football career with Paris Saint-Germain and the Moroccan national team. Hakimi has vehemently denied the allegations from the outset. His legal team has argued that the encounter was consensual and that the accusations are part of an attempted extortion.

A key turning point in the legal proceedings occurred on December 8, 2023, when Hakimi was confronted with his accuser for the first time in the investigating magistrate's office, where both parties reiterated their respective accounts. In January 2025, Hakimi publicly addressed the situation, stating in an interview that he felt he had become an "easy target" due to his fame and that he believed he was a victim of blackmail. He expressed confidence in the justice system's handling of the case.

The case progressed through the French legal system, with public prosecutors recommending that Hakimi face trial. On February 24, 2026, an investigative judge formally ordered Hakimi to stand trial for rape. Hakimi responded via social media, denying the allegations and expressing his calm anticipation for the trial, believing it would allow the truth to emerge publicly. His lawyer, Fanny Colin, confirmed the trial order but stated her intention to appeal, highlighting what she described as the accuser's obstruction of investigations and refusal of medical examinations and DNA tests.

CURRENT STATUS (as of 2026-07-09): On June 19, 2026, a French appeals court upheld the investigative judge's decision, confirming that Achraf Hakimi will stand trial for rape. The court concluded that there was sufficient evidence against the player to proceed to trial. Hakimi, who was playing for Morocco in the World Cup at the time of the appeals court's decision, reiterated his denial and welcomed the opportunity to finally speak publicly in court. The plaintiff's lawyer, Rachel-Flore Pardo, expressed her client's relief and hope that the trial would bring justice and further challenge impunity surrounding sexual violence in men's football. As of July 9, 2026, a specific date for the trial has not been publicly announced, but it is expected to commence in the fall of 2026 in the Hauts-de-Seine criminal court. Hakimi continues to play for Paris Saint-Germain and captain the Moroccan national team amidst the ongoing legal proceedings.