Paris Saint-Germain defender and Morocco international Achraf Hakimi has formally requested the dismissal of a rape case currently under judicial review in France, marking a significant development in a legal process that has drawn global attention since the allegations first emerged in 2023.
The 27 year old footballer appeared before the Court of Appeal in Versailles on Friday, where his legal representatives urged the investigating chamber to throw out the case entirely. The defence team argued that the evidence presented does not meet the legal threshold required for a criminal trial, insisting that the proceedings should not advance further.
The case, which has remained under investigation for more than a year, centres on allegations made by a woman who accused Hakimi of rape following an encounter at his residence in February 2023. Since the complaint was filed, French judicial authorities have carried out extensive investigations, including hearings, witness interviews, and forensic reviews to determine whether the matter should proceed to trial.
Hakimi has consistently denied all allegations levelled against him. Through his legal team, he maintains that he is innocent and has repeatedly expressed confidence that the judicial process will ultimately clear his name. His lawyers have described the case as unfounded, arguing that inconsistencies in the testimony and lack of supporting evidence weaken the prosecution’s position.
During the latest court session, the defence reportedly submitted additional documentation aimed at reinforcing the request for dismissal. These materials are said to challenge earlier interpretations of communication records and witness statements, which prosecutors have relied on in building their case.
The court is now expected to review the submissions before issuing a ruling in the coming weeks. Legal experts in France suggest that this stage is critical, as the decision will determine whether the case proceeds to a full criminal trial or is dismissed at the investigative level.
If the appeal is rejected, the matter will move forward to trial, where Achraf Hakimi would formally face prosecution before a criminal court. If granted, however, the case would be dropped, bringing a major turning point in the long running legal process.
The allegations against Hakimi have been closely followed not only in France but across the global football community due to his status as one of the most prominent defenders in European football. As a key figure for Paris Saint-Germain, he has continued to feature regularly in domestic and European competitions despite the ongoing investigation.
Throughout the legal proceedings, Paris Saint-Germain have maintained a policy of respecting due process and the presumption of innocence. The club has continued to select Hakimi for matches whenever he has been available, allowing the judicial process to run independently of his sporting career.
Born in Spain and representing Morocco at international level, Hakimi has built a reputation as one of the most dynamic right backs in world football. His performances for PSG, as well as his standout displays for Morocco at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, have elevated his profile significantly in recent years.
The case, however, has cast a shadow over his professional achievements, generating intense media scrutiny and public debate. While he has continued to perform on the pitch, the legal uncertainty surrounding the allegations has remained a constant backdrop to his career.
Hakimi’s legal representatives argue that the investigation has not produced sufficient evidence to justify a trial. They have raised concerns about inconsistencies in the complainant’s statements and have questioned the interpretation of certain digital communications presented during the inquiry.
On the other hand, the complainant’s legal team maintains that the evidence gathered during the investigation supports the allegations and that the case should be heard in full court. They argue that only a trial can properly assess the credibility of all evidence and witness testimonies.
The Versailles Court of Appeal is now tasked with evaluating both positions before reaching a decision. Legal analysts note that French investigative judges typically refer cases to trial when they believe there is a reasonable basis for prosecution, meaning dismissal requests are often challenging to succeed at this stage.
Regardless of the outcome, the decision is expected to have significant implications for both Hakimi’s personal life and professional career. A dismissal would mark a major legal victory for the player, while a referral to trial would prolong an already complex and high profile case.
Despite the ongoing proceedings, Hakimi continues to represent both Paris Saint-Germain and the Moroccan national team at the highest level of football. His performances remain closely watched, with fans and analysts monitoring how he manages the pressure surrounding the legal situation.
As the football world awaits the court’s ruling, the focus remains on whether the evidence presented will be deemed sufficient for a criminal trial or whether the case will be dismissed at this critical stage.
For now, Achraf Hakimi remains active in professional football while navigating one of the most closely followed legal cases involving an elite athlete in recent years.
