Achraf Hakimi, a defender for Paris Saint-Germain, has been sent to a criminal court in Hauts-de-Seine, France, in connection with a rape allegation dating back to 2023.
The Moroccan international was formally charged in March 2023 and has denied the claim, stating that he is prepared to face trial in order to clear his name.
French prosecutors confirmed on Tuesday, 24 February 2026, that the case will proceed before the criminal court of Hauts-de-Seine. The decision marks a major step in the legal process, nearly three years after the original complaint was lodged.
The case originates from a report filed in February 2023 by a young woman who alleged that the incident occurred at Hakimi’s residence in Boulogne-Billancourt, near Paris, after the pair reportedly connected through social media.
Hakimi, 27, has consistently rejected the allegation. In a post shared on social media, he stated that a rape accusation alone is now sufficient to trigger a trial, even when he disputes the claim and believes the evidence shows it to be untrue. He added that he is approaching the judicial proceedings calmly and is confident that the truth will come out publicly.
If convicted, Hakimi could face a prison term of up to 15 years. However, no ruling has been delivered, and a trial date has yet to be announced.
His legal representatives continue to assert his innocence and have questioned aspects of the prosecution’s case, while prosecutors maintain that there is enough evidence for the matter to be heard in court.
Despite the ongoing legal situation, Hakimi remains part of PSG’s squad for upcoming matches, and the club has not announced any suspension or removal from team duties.
Under French law, Hakimi is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The forthcoming court proceedings will give both the prosecution and defence the opportunity to present their cases before a final judgment is reached.