Hakimi Appeals to France’s Highest Court in Rape Trial
Moroccan footballer Achraf Hakimi has lodged an appeal with France’s Court of Cassation after an appeals court confirmed he must stand trial on rape charges.
The ruling, delivered by the Versailles Court of Appeal on June 19, upheld Hakimi’s referral to criminal court over allegations made by a woman in 2023. Hakimi, 27, who is currently captaining Morocco at the FIFA World Cup, has consistently denied the accusations.
Shortly after the decision, Hakimi wrote on X that he had been ‘waiting for this trial since day one.’
His lawyer declined to comment on the latest appeal, which now moves to France’s highest court for civil and criminal matters.
The case stems from a complaint filed in February 2023, when a 24-year-old woman told police in Val-de-Marne that Hakimi had raped her after inviting her to his home. She alleged that he kissed and touched her without consent before committing the assault.
The plaintiff’s lawyer, Rachel-Flore Pardo, welcomed the appeals court ruling, stating: ‘Every decision handed down in this case has been in favour of the claimant.
She will fight to the very end to obtain justice.’
Hakimi’s appeal means the case will now be reviewed by the Court of Cassation, which examines whether legal procedures were correctly applied.
The outcome could determine whether the trial proceeds as ordered.
