Achraf Hakimi, the 27-year-old defender for Paris Saint-Germain and captain of the Morocco national team, has been ordered to stand trial in the Hauts-de-Seine criminal court in France after being accused of rape. The allegations stem from an incident on February 25, 2023, when a 24-year-old woman claimed that Hakimi assaulted her at his home in the Boulogne-Billancourt area of Paris. Hakimi has consistently denied the allegations, asserting that he is innocent and that the accusations are false.

Since the allegations surfaced in February, Hakimi has publicly maintained his innocence, stating via social media that the justice system is allowing accusations to be treated as evidence enough for a trial. He expressed his frustration over the situation, emphasizing that the accusations are baseless and portraying him in a negative light. In his statement, he called the claims 'lies' and reiterated his commitment to defending his name throughout the legal process.

The case raises significant discussions around the handling of sexual assault allegations in the sport and media, particularly regarding the treatment of high-profile individuals in the court of public opinion. As the trial approaches, interest in the proceedings will likely be high given Hakimi's status in the football world, and it remains to be seen how both the judicial system and the sporting community will respond to the unfolding events.