Achraf Hakimi Ordered to Stand Trial in Rape Case; PSG Star Maintains Innocence

A French judge has ordered Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi to stand trial for rape, concluding a three-year investigation into allegations dating back to early 2023. The Morocco international continues to deny the accusations as his legal team prepares to appeal the decision.

The order to proceed to trial was issued on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, by an investigating judge. This move follows a request made in August by the Nanterre prosecutor’s office to refer the case to the departmental criminal court of Hauts-de-Seine. The decision marks a significant escalation in a legal battle that has cast a shadow over the PSG star’s career since the initial reports surfaced.

Timeline of the Allegations

According to the indictment order, which totals 21 pages, the interaction between Hakimi and the accuser began on January 16, 2023, via Instagram. At the time, both individuals were 24 years ancient. The contact started with a reaction to a story, leading to a month of digital exchanges.

The investigation reveals that the player repeatedly suggested meeting in public with other friends to get to know one another. However, the young woman declined these offers, citing shyness and a desire to avoid being photographed. Eventually, she agreed to a meeting, but it took place at the player’s residence, away from public view.

The events in question occurred on February 23, 2023, after the two agreed to meet to “relax.” On February 25, 2023, the woman provided a deposition to police describing acts of rape. While she indicated at the time that she did not wish to file a formal complaint, her detailed testimony served as the catalyst for the subsequent investigation.

Competing Legal Narratives

The legal battle has evolved into two starkly different accounts of the encounter. Hakimi’s defense team has remained steadfast in his innocence, with his lawyer, Fanny Colin, asserting that the accusations are unfounded. Colin has gone as far as to claim that the accuser attempted to “rob” the player, stating, “It is my client who is the victim, not Achraf Hakimi.”

Conversely, the accuser’s lawyer, Rachel Flore-Pardo, has pushed back against these claims. Speaking on February 25, Flore-Pardo emphasized that her client is the true victim in this case.

For those following the French legal system, a referral to a cour criminelle départementale (departmental criminal court) indicates that the investigating judge found sufficient evidence to warrant a full trial, though it does not constitute a final verdict of guilt.

Impact on Professional Career

Despite the legal turmoil, Hakimi has remained active on the pitch. He was seen competing for Paris Saint-Germain as recently as February 17, 2026, during a Champions League fixture against Monaco.

The case has been characterized by a lengthy investigative period. For three years, the judiciary examined evidence both incriminating and exculpatory before the magistrate reached the conclusion to send the case to trial.

What Happens Next

The immediate next step is a legal challenge to the judge’s order. Hakimi’s lawyers have already announced their intention to appeal the decision to stand trial.

The proceedings will now move toward the appellate stage to determine if the case will proceed to the departmental criminal court as ordered. Further updates will depend on the court’s ruling regarding this appeal.

The sporting world awaits the outcome of the appeal, which will decide if one of football’s most prominent defenders will face a criminal jury in France.

Share your thoughts on this developing story in the comments below.