Paris Saint-Germain and Moroccan international Achraf Hakimi is facing the possibility of a 15-year prison sentence if found guilty in a rape case that stems from an alleged incident in February 2023.
The 26-year-old footballer is under scrutiny after prosecutors filed a final indictment request, recommending that Hakimi be referred to the criminal court of Hauts-de-Seine. The decision to proceed with a trial now lies with the investigating judge, who will review the evidence and determine whether the case should go to court.
The alleged incident took place at Hakimi’s residence in Boulogne-Billancourt, a suburb west of Paris. A woman in her mid-twenties claims that she met the player through Instagram and had been chatting with him for over a month before agreeing to visit his home. During that visit, she alleges that Hakimi kissed and touched her without consent before sexually assaulting her.
Although the woman reportedly did not file a formal complaint immediately, she later presented written statements and messages describing the psychological trauma she experienced. French authorities launched an investigation shortly afterward, placing Hakimi under formal investigation in March 2023. He was questioned under custody but later released under judicial supervision.
Hakimi has continuously denied the allegations, maintaining that the case is a fabricated attempt to extort money. His legal team has expressed confidence that the case will not go to trial, although no new public statements have been issued following the latest developments.
Throughout the ordeal, Hakimi has remained a part of PSG, with the club citing “personal reasons” for his occasional absence from training. PSG has voiced support for their player, expressing trust in the French legal process while refraining from commenting further as the legal proceedings unfold.
If the case proceeds to trial and ends in a conviction, Hakimi could face a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison under French law. As one of Africa’s most high-profile footballers, having starred in Morocco’s historic run to the 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finals, the case could have far-reaching consequences for both his personal life and professional career.
