The case of the Moroccan star and Atlas Lions captain, Achraf Hakimi, has once again topped international and local sports headlines today following a decisive and sudden ruling by the French Court of Appeal in Versailles. This decision brings an end to a long period of ambiguity and anticipation that has surrounded the case since 2023.
The Court’s Decision: Appeal Rejected and Official Referral to the Criminal Court
In a dramatic development issued this Friday morning, June 19, 2026, the investigative chamber of the Versailles Court of Appeal rejected the request submitted by Achraf Hakimi’s defense to dismiss and shelve the case.
With this ruling, the official referral of the Paris Saint-Germain star to the Hauts-de-Seine Criminal Court was upheld. He will face trial on charges of “sexual assault and rape,” stemming from a complaint filed by a young French woman in February 2023. As of now, the official start date for the trial hearings has not yet been set.
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First Official Response from Achraf Hakimi: “Finally… I will be able to speak!”
The Moroccan international wasted no time in reacting. Breaking his long silence, he posted a powerful statement on his official account on the platform (X), expressing his relief at finally facing a trial to uncover the truth.
Hakimi stated in his post: “I chose silence for years. I thought that remaining dignified, being patient, and trusting the judiciary would allow the right decisions to be made… Today, a story that is not mine is being told at the expense of my family, my life, and above all, the truth. Sometimes I feel like I have become an easy target. I have been waiting for this trial since day one, and now I await it with great impatience. Finally, I will be able to speak.”
In past statements, Hakimi also expressed some frustration with the judicial process, hinting that if he were not famous, this case wouldn’t have existed in the first place.
Critical Timing.. A Verdict in the Middle of the World Cup!
What is causing the most concern and debate among Moroccan football fans is the critical timing of this announcement. The ruling comes just hours before the Moroccan national team’s highly anticipated and decisive clash against Scotland in the second round of the 2026 World Cup group stage, following the Lions’ 1-1 draw against Brazil in their opening match.
Many commentators and fans believe that pushing the case forward at this exact moment could be an attempt to disrupt the captain’s focus within the team’s training camp in the United States.
The Defense’s Position and Case Loopholes
Fanny Colin, the French attorney representing Hakimi, strictly maintains her client’s complete innocence, describing the accusations as an “attempted extortion.” Reports close to the file indicate that the defense is relying heavily on inconsistencies in the accuser’s statements. Notably, text messages exchanged with one of her friends were reportedly not automatically turned over to investigators initially—a factor the defense believes could completely shift the case in the player’s favor.
Current Status Summary:
- Legal Status: Hakimi’s criminal trial is confirmed after his appeal was officially rejected.
- The Player’s Stance: Maintained innocence, welcoming the trial to end the speculation and expose the “falsity” of the accusations.
- Sporting Impact: The player is currently with the Moroccan squad in the US, fully focused on the 2026 World Cup campaign.
Share your thoughts in the comments: Do you think the timing of this ruling during the World Cup will affect Achraf Hakimi’s performance with the Atlas Lions? What are your predictions for the final outcome of this case?
