Moroccan captain Achraf Hakimi is set to stand trial for allegedly raping a woman he met online but will still be allowed to play on Friday evening against Scotland
Moroccan captain Achraf Hakimi is set to stand trial for allegedly raping a woman he met online - but will still be allowed to play against Scotland.
Hakimi, 27, turned out for the Atlas Lions during their draw with Brazil, and, as captain, is expected to be in action again on Friday evening against Scotland. However, he now faces upto 15 years behind bars if convicted.
Speaking about the trial being confirmed by a French judge, he said: "I’ve been waiting for this trial from day one. And now I’m looking forward to it. Finally, I’ll be able to speak.”
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He is accused of raping a woman inside of his family home while his wife and children were on holiday. Hakimi has vehemently denied any wrongdoing and claims the woman is trying to blackmail him.
The Moroccan captain is currently on bail, having previously been charged in February 2023. He was placed under judicial supervision and handed a restraining order barring him from contacting the victim.
According to reports, he will stand trial after the end of Morocco's World Cup run.
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Fanny Colin, Hakimi’s lawyer, said on Friday: “The multitude of exculpatory elements revealed by the investigation and the judicial inquiry should, in any other case, have led to a dismissal.
“Achraf Hakimi’s defence regrets that the consequences of the contradictions and lies of the plaintiff." They added: “Mr. Achraf Hakimi now eagerly awaits his trial so that he can finally speak publicly about the false accusation against him.
Hakimi himself also said on X: “Justice looked me in the eyes and said to me: ‘If you weren’t famous, there never would have been a case.’
“I chose to remain silent for years. I thought that staying dignified, being patient, and trusting the justice system would allow the right decisions to be made.
“Today, a story that is not mine is being told at the expense of my family, my life, and above all, the truth. Sometimes I feel like I’ve become an easy target.”