A French appeals court confirms that Morocco captain and Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi will stand trial in France on rape allegations. Multiple outlets report that the court orders he be formally referred to the criminal court, following his appeal of an earlier decision by an investigating judge. French prosecutors previously recommended that he face trial, and the appeals court upholds that outcome, citing sufficient evidence from investigations conducted during the inquiry and judicial phase.

The accusations date to 2023, when a 24-year-old woman alleged that she was raped by Hakimi at his home in a Paris suburb. Hakimi denies wrongdoing. Coverage also notes that the legal decision is issued while he is playing with Morocco, including during its World Cup campaign, where he participated in matches around the time the appeals court ruling was released.

Hakimi is reported to have responded publicly, reiterating his innocence and stating he is awaiting the trial to explain his position. The reports do not indicate the trial date or the specific court that will hear the case.