Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi has been named in the club’s matchday squad for Wednesday’s Champions League play-off second leg against AS Monaco, despite facing trial over an alleged rape.
On Tuesday, Hakimi’s lawyer and a French prosecutor confirmed that the PSG and Morocco right-back will stand trial accused of raping a woman. The 27-year-old has denied any wrongdoing.
The allegation stems from a complaint filed in February 2023, when a 24-year-old woman reported to police in the Val-de-Marne region, southeast of Paris, that Hakimi had raped her.
Reacting to the development, Hakimi wrote on social media: “Today, a rape accusation is enough to justify a trial, even though I contest it and everything proves that it is false.
“I await this trial calmly, which will allow the truth to come out publicly.”
His lawyer, Fanny Colin, challenged the basis of the prosecution, questioning the complainant’s cooperation during the investigation.
“A trial has been ordered on the basis of an accusation that rests solely on the word of a woman who obstructed all investigations, refused all medical examinations and DNA tests, refused to allow her mobile phone to be examined, and refused to give the name of a key witness,” Colin said.
The plaintiff’s lawyer, Rachel-Flore Pardo, said her client was relieved that the matter would proceed to court, adding that the judiciary had handled the case in an exemplary manner.
Hakimi took part in PSG’s pre-match training session on Tuesday and would ordinarily be a first-choice selection at right-back for the reigning European champions as they host Monaco at the Parc des Princes. The French side carry a 3-2 aggregate advantage into the second leg after last week’s encounter.
Hakimi scored the equaliser in the first leg at the Stade Louis II, sparking a comeback from two goals down to secure victory.
PSG coach Luis Enrique declined to comment in detail on the case when asked at Tuesday’s pre-match press conference.
“This matter is in the hands of the authorities,” he said.
AFP
