Things just got a lot more complicated for Morocco’s captain — and it’s all happening right before a huge World Cup match.

According to cbinews.tv, Morocco skipper Achraf Hakimi is set to stand trial for rape after French prosecutors confirmed the case will go ahead.

So, here’s what’s going on. A woman accused the Paris St-Germain defender of raping her at his home in Paris back in 2023, when she was 24. The Nanterre prosecutor’s office kicked off a preliminary investigation in March 2023, and by February 2026 an investigating judge ordered a trial. Hakimi, 27, tried to get the case thrown out recently but his appeal was dismissed, French media say.

Hakimi’s not staying quiet about it. He posted on social media Friday: “The justice system looked me in the eye and said, 'If you weren't famous, there would never have been a case.' I chose to remain silent for years... Today, a story that isn't mine is being told at the expense of my family, my life, and above all, the truth. I sometimes feel like I've become an easy target. I've been waiting for this trial since day one. And now I'm eagerly awaiting it. Finally, I'll be able to speak.”

On the other side, the plaintiff’s lawyer, Rachel-Flore Pardo, said the decision brings her client “relief and hope” after more than three years of proceedings. *“Relief that she has been heard by the justice system and will have the right to a trial. Hope that this trial will help other women and further weaken the wall of denial and impunity surrounding sexual violence, including in the world of men's football.”*

No trial date has been set yet. And timing is awkward — Hakimi’s due to captain Morocco against Scotland this Friday at 23:00 BST in their second World Cup group game. All of Morocco’s group matches are in the US, but if they make the knockouts, things could get messy. Canada and Mexico can deny entry to anyone who’s “committed or been convicted of a crime,” per Canada’s government site.

We saw it last week with Ghana’s Thomas Partey, 32, who missed their opener against Panama after Canada refused him entry. He’s pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape and one of sexual assault from 2020-2022, with a trial due next year.

For context, Hakimi’s a huge figure for Morocco. 97 caps, debuted at 17 in 2016, and was key to that history-making 2022 World Cup semi-final run — the first African nation to get that far. At club level, he’s been at PSG since 2021 and has picked up 13 trophies, including back-to-back Champions League titles the last two seasons.

Source: cbinews.tv

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