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Morocco’s preparations for their World Cup Group C clash with Scotland have been thrown into turmoil following a major legal development involving captain Achraf Hakimi.
The Paris Saint-Germain defender has been ordered to stand trial on a rape charge in France, hours before the crucial match in Boston on Friday night.
Hakimi, 27, is accused by a woman of raping her at his Paris home in 2023, when she was 24 years old, allegations he has consistently and firmly denied.
French prosecutors confirmed that an investigating judge ordered the case to proceed to trial in February this year, marking a significant escalation in the long-running legal matter.
According to French media reports, Hakimi recently failed in an attempt to have the case dismissed on appeal, leaving the trial proceedings on course to move forward.
Despite the legal cloud hanging over him, Hakimi is expected to lead the Atlas Lions against Steve Clarke’s Scotland side in what is a critical group stage fixture.
Taking to social media on Friday, the Morocco skipper broke his silence and issued a direct statement reiterating his innocence in emphatic terms.
He wrote: “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. I believed that maintaining my dignity, being patient, and trusting in the justice system would allow the right decisions to be made.”
Hakimi added: “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.”
Rachel-Flore Pardo, the lawyer representing the plaintiff, welcomed the judicial decision to proceed with a trial after more than three years of legal proceedings.
Pardo said: “After more than three years of legal proceedings, and after my client was, in her view, defamed and dragged through the mud by Achraf Hakimi’s defence, this decision brings her relief and hope.”
The lawyer also stated: “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 date has yet been set for the start of the trial, leaving a prolonged period of uncertainty ahead for the Morocco captain and one of the world’s most prominent footballers.
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