France's Court of Cassation sends Achraf Hakimi back to French courts

The Court of Cassation confirmed on Wednesday the referral to trial of Achraf Hakimi, defender of Paris Saint‑Germain, before the departmental criminal court of Hauts‑de‑Seine, where he is being prosecuted for rape in a case that began in 2023.

Last June, the Versailles Court of Appeal had already confirmed the referral to trial for the same alleged act that occurred in 2023. Hakimi has always denied the accusations since the proceedings began. He then lodged an appeal before the Court of Cassation, which constituted the final avenue of recourse in the French judicial system.

This is not the first time the player has been referred to the courts. In February, a judge in Nanterre had sent him to trial before the departmental criminal tribunal of Hauts‑de‑Seine for rape, before the case was taken on appeal.

Reactions of the lawyers

"After three and a half years of legal battles, after being defamed and dragged through the mud by Achraf Hakimi's defence, my client is determined to obtain justice; she will fight until the end," said lawyer Rachel‑Flore Pardo in a statement to AFP. "This decision reflects the solidity and rigor of the Court of Appeal's reasoning," added Bertrand Périer, who represents the civil party.

Judicial and sporting trajectory

According to the Court of Appeal's judgment, the young woman, then twenty‑four years old, had met the footballer on Instagram in January 2023. She went to his home on 24 February 2023 in a private car booked by Hakimi. The next day, she reported to the police station and stated that the player had kissed her and then touched her without her consent, before digitally assaulting her. She managed to free herself and a friend came to collect her. Hakimi was officially placed under formal investigation on 2 March.

Former right‑back of Inter, Hakimi now plays as a defender for Paris Saint‑Germain, where he occupies a key defensive position. The referral to trial means that the case will be heard soon before the criminal court of Hauts‑de‑Seine, without a specific date indicated.