PSG's Achraf Hakimi set for trial after final 'alleged rape' appeal rejected

The Court of Cassation upheld a previous ruling that Hakimi should face a criminal trial over allegations made by a woman in 2023.

Hakimi, 27, has consistently denied the accusation and challenged the decision to send him to trial. His appeal followed a ruling by the Versailles appeals court in June which confirmed that the case should proceed.

His lawyer, Fanny Colin, stressed that the Court of Cassation had not examined the substance of the allegations.

"The allegations against Achraf Hakimi, which he has firmly contested from day one, have not been examined by the Court of Cassation," Colin told AFP.

"They will be during the trial, at which all the evidence in Achraf Hakimi's defence will be presented publicly."

Colin added that Hakimi had "nothing to hide" and had fully cooperated with police and judicial authorities throughout the investigation.

The woman who made the allegation, who was 24 at the time, reported Hakimi to police in February 2023.

According to the original account, she had met the Morocco international through Instagram and travelled by taxi to his home after he arranged the journey.

She alleged that Hakimi kissed and touched her without her consent before raping her. She said she managed to push him away and contacted a friend, who came to collect her.

Hakimi was charged with rape several days later.

The woman's lawyer, Rachel-Flore Pardo, welcomed the latest court decision and said her client remained determined to pursue the case.

"After three and a half years of legal battles, after being slandered and dragged through the mud by Achraf Hakimi's defence, my client is determined to obtain justice; she will fight to the very end," Pardo said.

PSG have continued to stress Hakimi's presumption of innocence throughout the legal process.

The French champions said Hakimi had "always firmly denied the allegations" and that the club remained committed to providing a calm and respectful working environment.

PSG also reiterated its "constant and unequivocal commitment to combating all forms of violence, particularly sexual violence."