Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi, who is due to join the Morocco squad for their match against Scotland later on Friday, has said he faces trial on a rape charge and welcomed the opportunity to present his side of the story.
Hakimi, who featured for Morocco in its World Cup opener against Brazil on Sunday, had appealed his referral to a criminal court. French media reported earlier that the Versailles appeals court had rejected the appeal, paving the way for a future trial in a criminal court.
“Today, a story that isn’t mine is being told at the expense of my family, my life, and above all, the truth. Sometimes I feel like I’ve become an easy target,” the star defender wrote in a post on the social media platform X.
“I’ve been waiting for this trial since day one. And now I’m looking forward to it. Finally, I’ll be able to speak out
It was not immediately clear when the trial would begin. The Versailles appeals court and Hakimi’s lawyer did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The Nanterre prosecutor’s office opened an investigation in 2023 after an allegation of rape was made against him.
