French prosecutors have taken a significant step in the ongoing legal saga involving Paris Saint-Germain football star Achraf Hakimi, formally requesting that an investigating judge send him to trial over a serious rape allegation that surfaced in 2023. This development marks a critical juncture in a case that has garnered considerable global attention and cast a shadow over the prominent athlete’s career.
The accusation dates back to February 25, 2023, when a 24-year-old woman alleged that Hakimi paid for her to travel to his home in the Paris suburb of Boulogne-Billancourt. The incident is said to have occurred while Hakimi’s wife and children were away on holiday, adding a layer of personal detail to the unfolding legal narrative surrounding the football star.
While Achraf Hakimi has consistently denied the allegations, the Nanterre prosecutor’s office confirmed their request to the investigating judge for the rape charge to be referred to a criminal court. The ultimate decision now rests with the investigating magistrate, who will determine the next steps within the framework of their judicial order, signaling the formal progression of the French justice process in this sports news.
Hakimi, a 26-year-old Moroccan international, is a cornerstone player for Paris Saint-Germain, renowned for his dynamic contributions as a full-back. His impressive performance included scoring the opening goal in PSG’s commanding 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League final in May, showcasing his integral role in the team’s successes in the world of football.
Beyond his club achievements, Achraf Hakimi also played a pivotal role in the Morocco national team’s historic journey to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He was a key figure in the squad that became the first African or Arab nation to reach such an advanced stage in the tournament, cementing his status as a national hero and global football icon despite the rape allegation.
The initial charge against Hakimi was laid in March 2023, following the initial police investigation into the woman’s claims. This formal charge set in motion the legal procedures that have now led to the prosecutors’ request for a trial, indicating that the evidence gathered warrants further judicial examination in a criminal court setting in France.
The ongoing investigation and the recent request for trial underscore the gravity of the accusations and their potential implications for Hakimi’s future, both on and off the pitch. As the legal process continues in France, the sports world and his fans await the investigating judge’s decision, which will significantly influence the trajectory of this high-profile Achraf Hakimi case and contribute to broader sports news narratives.
