Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defender Achraf Hakimi is set to face trial in France over allegations of rape, following a final indictment signed by French prosecutors.
The 26-year-old Moroccan international was initially charged on March 3, 2023, over an alleged assault on a 24-year-old woman, who claimed Hakimi raped her at his home in Boulogne-Billancourt on February 25, 2023.
According to French outlet Le Parisien, the woman told police she had met Hakimi via Instagram in January 2023, and after weeks of messaging, he arranged for her to visit his residence while his wife, actress Hiba Abouk, was reportedly away on holiday in Dubai with their two sons.
The woman alleged that upon her arrival, Hakimi kissed her against her will and assaulted her sexually, despite her repeated protests. She claimed to have fled the scene and later reported the incident to police the same day, initially without filing a formal complaint. She later submitted messages allegedly showing her distress following the encounter.
A spokesman for the Nanterre prosecutor’s office confirmed on Friday that a final indictment has been issued, recommending the case proceed to criminal trial. If convicted, Hakimi could face up to 15 years in prison — the maximum sentence for non-aggravated rape under French law.
Hakimi has consistently denied the allegations. He was placed under judicial supervision following the initial charge and remains free pending trial. In December 2023, both Hakimi and the accuser appeared before an investigating judge, during which both parties reaffirmed their positions.
The PSG star has publicly claimed he is the target of a smear campaign. In an interview earlier this year, Hakimi said, “The truth is that when you are successful and things are going well, you become an easy target… They wanted to blackmail me.” His legal team has also described the accusation as “attempted racketeering,” and Hakimi has filed a countersuit against the woman.
As the case proceeds to court, it remains one of the most high-profile legal challenges facing a top-tier footballer in recent years.
Sun UK