Achraf Hakimi Risks 15 Years in Prison as Rape Trial Looms

French prosecutors have requested that Moroccan international and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) star Achraf Hakimi be sent to trial over allegations of rape dating back to February 2023. The Nanterre prosecutor’s office confirmed the request on August 1, seeking to move the case to the Criminal Court of Hauts-de-Seine.

“It is now up to the investigating magistrate to make a decision within the framework of his order,” the prosecutor’s office told AFP.

The alleged victim, a 24-year-old woman, reported the incident to police in Boulogne-Billancourt shortly after it occurred. Though she initially declined to file a formal complaint, authorities launched an investigation, citing text message exchanges that supported her account.

Timeline of Allegations

According to police sources and AFP, the woman claimed she met Hakimi via Instagram in January 2023. On February 25, she says Hakimi paid for a taxi to bring her to his home while his wife and children were on holiday.

She told police that after arriving, Hakimi began making unwanted sexual advances, kissed her, and eventually raped her. She reportedly managed to text a friend, who came to pick her up after the alleged assault.

“My client welcomes this news with immense relief,” said Rachel-Flore Pardo, the lawyer representing the woman.

Despite the absence of a formal complaint at the outset, the case advanced swiftly. On March 3, 2023, Hakimi was formally charged and placed under judicial supervision.

Hakimi Denies Allegations

Hakimi has consistently denied the accusations, stating that the interaction was entirely consensual. The PSG right-back has not been detained and remains under supervision, with the presumption of innocence intact.

His attorney, Fanny Colin, strongly criticised the prosecution’s decision to push for a trial:

“The call by prosecutors for a trial is incomprehensible and senseless in light of the case’s elements,” Colin told AFP.
“If these requisitions were to be followed, we would obviously pursue all avenues of appeal.”

Legal Risk: Up to 15 Years in Prison

If the case goes to trial and the court finds Hakimi guilty, he may receive a sentence of up to 15 years in prison under French criminal law. The investigating judge has not made a formal decision to proceed to trial at this stage.

The developments come just months after Hakimi helped PSG clinch their first-ever UEFA Champions League title, scoring the opening goal in a dominant 5-0 win against Inter Milan. The 26-year-old also played a key role in Morocco’s historic run to the 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finals.

Known in French media as “le président du syndicat” (the union president), Hakimi has long been a prominent figure both on and off the pitch. But the shadow of this legal battle threatens to derail his soaring career.

Next Steps

The final decision now lies with the investigating magistrate, who will determine whether Hakimi stands trial. Until that point, he remains presumed innocent under French law.

This case unfolds and draws close attention in France and beyond, due to the high profile of the player involved and the seriousness of the allegations.

MMI