The French justice system has dealt a significant blow to Achraf Hakimi, the Moroccan defender for Paris Saint-Germain, by rejecting his appeal against being sent to trial for rape allegations. On September 23, 2026, the Court of Cassation announced that Hakimi's appeal had been rejected, confirming the earlier decision by the Versailles Court of Appeal in June 2026. This development means Hakimi will face trial for alleged crimes reported in 2023.
The case against Hakimi has been ongoing for several months, with the player contesting the allegations made against him. Despite his protests, the French judicial system has maintained that there is sufficient evidence to warrant a trial. Hakimi's lawyers had argued that the initial decision to send him to trial was flawed, but the Court of Cassation has now put those claims to rest. The decision does not imply guilt, and Hakimi remains innocent until a final verdict is reached.
This case bears some resemblance to other high-profile cases involving footballers in recent years. One notable example is that of Benjamin Mendy, the former Manchester City defender. Mendy was acquitted of multiple rape and sexual assault charges in England, with the jury finding him not guilty of the allegations. However, the Hakimi case is distinct, as he has yet to face trial and has consistently denied the allegations.
Another high-profile case that comes to mind is that of Dani Alves, the former Brazilian international. Alves was convicted of sexual assault in Spain but was later acquitted on appeal in March 2025. The acquittal highlights that judicial decisions can be overturned at higher courts, but for now, Hakimi's trial is set to proceed. The case against him will likely draw significant attention given his status as a prominent footballer.
The allegations against Hakimi are serious, and the trial is expected to draw widespread media attention. While details of the alleged crimes are scarce, it is clear that the French judicial system believes there is sufficient evidence to warrant a trial. Hakimi's team has yet to comment on the latest development, but it is likely they will prepare a robust defense for their client.
The case also raises questions about the accountability of high-profile individuals, including athletes, in the justice system. While some have faced severe penalties for their actions, others have seen allegations against them dismissed or have been acquitted. The Hakimi case will likely be closely watched, not just for its potential impact on his career but also for its implications for the broader conversation around consent and accountability.
As the trial approaches, Hakimi's fans and colleagues will be watching with bated breath. The outcome is far from certain, and the case serves as a reminder that allegations of serious crimes must be thoroughly investigated and addressed through the proper channels. The trial will provide a platform for the allegations to be examined in detail, and a verdict will ultimately be reached based on the evidence presented.
Key points
- The French Court of Cassation has rejected Achraf Hakimi's appeal against being sent to trial for rape allegations.
- Hakimi's trial is set to proceed after the court rejected his appeal.
- The case against Hakimi bears some resemblance to other high-profile cases involving footballers, including Benjamin Mendy and Dani Alves.
