Suspected rape of Paris soccer star

Dhe Moroccan soccer player Achraf Hakimi from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is on suspicion of rape in the focus of the French judiciary. As the German Press Agency learned from the Nanterre public prosecutor’s office on Friday, investigations were initiated against the 24-year-old on Thursday evening after a survey.

The process can ultimately lead to criminal prosecution if investigators see sufficient evidence against the suspect. Otherwise, they can also discontinue the procedure. Hakimi’s lawyer Fanny Colin told the newspaper “Le Parisien”: “The allegations are false.” A 24-year-old woman had told the police that she had been raped by Hakimi last weekend. The woman reportedly did not press charges, but because of the seriousness of the allegation, the police informed the public prosecutor’s office.

“The club supports the player”

“We take note of the indictment,” the woman’s lawyer told AFP. “My client stands by all of these statements. She has chosen to speak only to the judiciary and does not wish to bring the case to the media, particularly to protect her safety.”

Hakimi has been placed under judicial supervision and is not allowed to have any contact with his alleged victim. After the accusation became known, PSG initially supported the defender. “The club supports the player who has firmly denied the allegations and trusts the judiciary. PSG is an institution that promises respect on and off the pitch.” Hakimi attended PSG training on Friday morning.

The association trusts the judiciary, said a spokesman a few hours after the indictment. Coach Christophe Galtier said at the press conference before the league game against FC Nantes on Saturday (9 p.m. at DAZN) that he would “not answer any questions about Achraf Hakimi”. From a sporting point of view, the goal is for the Moroccan to be available again for the duel with Munich.

Hakimi was a guest at the FIFA World Football Association gala on Monday evening, where Lionel Messi was honored as world footballer. The team of the former Dortmund player will play next Wednesday (9:00 p.m. in the FAZ live ticker for the Champions League and on DAZN) in the round of 16 second leg of the Champions League at FC Bayern Munich.

Full-back Hakimi has been with PSG since 2021. From 2018 to 2020 he was in the service of Borussia Dortmund. With Morocco he sensationally reached the semi-finals as captain at the World Cup in Qatar.

Paris, meanwhile, has to play without Neymar attacker in the game at Bayern Munich. “Neymar will not be available for the next two games,” coach Galtier said at a press conference on Friday. On Saturday, Paris will play in the Prinzenpark in their home Ligue 1 against FC Nantes. Neymar is suffering from an ankle injury. He sustained the injury on February 19 in the match against OSC Lille (4:3).