Achraf Hakimi is set to be tried in a criminal court in France following an investigation into an alleged rape case dating back to 2023.
The Moroccan international, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain, was placed under formal investigation in March 2023 after a young woman accused him of rape.
According to French judicial authorities, Hakimi has now been referred to the criminal court of Hauts-de-Seine, marking a significant development in the case.
The allegation stems from an incident said to have occurred on February 25, 2023.
The complainant reportedly met the footballer through social media before being invited to his residence in the Paris suburb.
However, the accounts of the encounter sharply differ.
Hakimi has consistently denied the accusation, maintaining that he only kissed the woman and that the interaction was consensual.
The complainant, on the other hand, alleges that she was raped during the visit.
The referral to the criminal court means the case will proceed to trial, where both parties are expected to present their evidence before judges.
Hakimi has continued to play professional football while the investigation has been ongoing.
Neither his legal team nor representatives of the club have issued fresh comments following the latest judicial decision.
No trial date has been officially announced as of the time of filing this report.
