Paris – Moroccan captain Achraf Hakimi has broken his quiet when it was revealed that he is set to stand trial for rape in Paris, France, in 2023, saying he has long awaited it.
Ahead of the FIFA World Cup match between Morocco and Scotland tonight, Hakimi took to X, posting that he elected to remain silent for too long over false accusations of rape, stating, ‘Justice looked me in the eyes and said to me, “If you weren’t famous, there never would have been a case.””
“I chose to remain silent for years. I thought that staying dignified, being patient, and trusting the justice system would allow the right decisions to be made.” 
Hakimi, who played in Morocco’s opening game against Brazil claimed the charges are affecting his family, his life, and, ‘above all, the truth’.
“Sometimes I feel like I’ve become an easy target. I’ve been waiting for this trial since day one. And now I’m looking forward to it. Finally, I will be able to speak,” the PSG defender said.
According to the BBC, Hakimi is accused of rape in 2023 regarding a French woman who was 24 years of age.
The trial was ordered in February 2026 following the prosecution’s investigations launched in March 2023. There was then the appeal to have the trial dismissed, denying the accusation.
The woman’s lawyer, Rachel-Flore Pardo, is quoted by the BBC as saying, “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.
“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.”
Hakimi can only be on US grounds for the duration of Morocco’s progression in the World Cup. He could face difficulties entering Canada or Mexico for outside matches until the quarter-final stages, which are exclusively reserved for US grounds.
