Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi will stand trial in France on a rape allegation after a French appeals court upheld an earlier decision referring the case to a criminal court, marking the latest development in legal proceedings that have been ongoing since 2023.

The Versailles Court of Appeal dismissed Hakimi’s appeal against the referral order, ruling that there is sufficient evidence for the allegations to be examined at trial. The decision does not constitute a finding of guilt but allows the case to proceed before a criminal court, where the evidence will be tested.

Hakimi has consistently denied the allegation and maintains that the encounter was consensual. Through his legal team, the 27-year-old has argued that the case lacks merit and has vowed to contest the charges during the trial.

The case stems from an incident in February 2023, when a 24-year-old woman accused the footballer of raping her after visiting his home in the Paris suburb of Boulogne-Billancourt. French prosecutors subsequently opened a judicial investigation, and an investigating magistrate later ordered that the case proceed to trial.

Following the latest court ruling, Hakimi said he welcomed the opportunity to defend himself in court, maintaining that he had done nothing wrong. He also argued that his public profile had contributed to the case receiving heightened attention.

Under French law, Hakimi remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a competent court. No trial date has been announced.

The defender has continued to play professional football throughout the investigation and remains a key player for both Paris Saint-Germain and the Morocco national team. Neither the French club nor the Royal Moroccan Football Federation has suspended him in connection with the case.