Paris St Germain defender Achraf Hakimi is heading to trial over rape allegations. The Moroccan international took to social media on Tuesday to deny the claims and express his frustration with the legal process.
"Today, a rape accusation is enough to justify a trial, even though I deny it and everything proves it's false," Hakimi wrote on X. He said he's ready to let the truth come out in court.
The case dates back to 2023 when prosecutors in Nanterre, a Paris suburb, opened an investigation. Now it's officially going to trial, which could have major implications for both Hakimi and his club.
What Both Legal Teams Are Saying
Hakimi's lawyer, Fanny Colin, came out swinging in defense of her client. She claims the accusation relies solely on one person's word and that the alleged victim refused medical exams, DNA tests, and wouldn't let investigators examine her phone.
On the other side, the plaintiff's lawyer Rachel-Flore Pardo said her client feels relieved the case is moving forward. She praised how the judiciary handled things but pointed out that football still has work to do when it comes to the #MeToo movement.
Impact on PSG's Champions League Push
The timing couldn't be trickier for PSG. They're facing Monaco in Wednesday's Champions League knockout playoff second leg, and Hakimi was included in last Tuesday's initial squad list.
When asked about the situation at Tuesday's press conference, PSG coach Luis Enrique kept it brief. "This matter is in the hands of the authorities," he said, clearly not wanting to discuss it further before a crucial match.
For bettors watching PSG's Champions League chances, Hakimi's availability matters. He's been a key player in their defense and attack down the right flank. Any distraction or potential absence could shift the odds for their upcoming matches.
The full-back has been an important part of PSG's squad since joining from Inter Milan. His pace and attacking threat make him hard to replace, especially in high-stakes European matches where every detail counts.
The trial date hasn't been announced yet, so it's unclear how this will affect Hakimi's playing time going forward. PSG will need to navigate both the legal situation and their sporting ambitions carefully in the coming weeks and months.
