SOCCER: Morocco's Achraf Hakimi to stand trial on rape charges in France

Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi lost an appeal and will stand trial on rape charges in France.

An appeals court in Versailles concluded that there was sufficient evidence for Hakimi, 27, to stand trial, according to a statement provided to The Athletic on Friday.

Hakimi has denied any wrongdoing since being charged in March 2023. A 24-year-old woman alleged he assaulted her in February 2023, according to previous reports.

The Paris Saint-Germain fullback, who is part of Morocco's squad at the World Cup, said he is looking forward to the opportunity to clear his name.

"Justice looked me in the eyes and said to me: 'If you weren't famous, there never would have been a case,'" Hakimi posted Friday on X, translated from French.

"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.

"I've been waiting for this trial since day one. And now I'm looking forward to it. Finally, I will be able to speak."

Rachel-Flore Pardo, the plaintiff's lawyer, praised the decision to move forward with a trial.

"The investigating chamber has ruled that there is sufficient evidence against Achraf Hakimi for committing rape," Pardo wrote on X.

"This decision is perfectly consistent with the evidence in the case and in line with the opinions of the public prosecutor, the investigating judge, and the advocate general at the Court of Appeal.

".The hope is that this trial will help other women, and further crack the fortress of denial and impunity surrounding sexual violence, even in the world of men's football."

No trial date has been set for Hakimi, who played the full 90 minutes in each of Morocco's first two World Cup matches, including a 1-0 win over Scotland on Friday in Foxborough, Mass. Morocco (1-0-1, 4 points) conclude Group C action against Haiti on Wednesday in Atlanta.

-Field Level Media/Reuters