Hours before the Kingdom of Morocco’s second game at the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Scotland, news filtered through that the Atlas Lions’ captain Achraf Hakimi would stand trial in an alleged rape case as stated by a French appeals court.
The timing of this news did not destabilize the camp and Morocco went ahead to triumph 1-0 courtesy of Ismael Saibari’s early strike.
“A major step. A collective victory” Captain Hakimi posted on his official X platform after the game.
Justice looked me in the eyes and said to me.f 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. 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.
Achraf Hakimi, Morocco football team captain
Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi revealed that the entire team was rallying behind their captain.
The player himself appeared relaxed and executed his professional duties with full commitment to the values of sports as he eagerly awaits natural justice to take its course.
The roving right back had appealed a February decision by an investigative judge.
That ruling followed recommendations from public prosecutors that Hakimi should face trial. The decision was released just hours before Morocco played Scotland.
Hakimi denies any wrongdoing.
“We don’t have to say anything — we’re behind him, he’s very relaxed and hopefully he’s going to show he’s the best wingback in the world. I believe this is important for me, the players and the 44 million Moroccans who are following us.” Head coach Ouahbi revealed.
Background:
Hakimi faced preliminary charges of rape in March 2023 after a 24-year-old woman said she was raped by Hakimi at his home in a Paris suburb, Boulogne-Billancourt.
The Versailles appeals court said in a media statement that it ordered that Hakimi be formally charged with rape.
The court said that the investigations conducted during the inquiry and the judicial investigation led the investigating chamber to conclude that there is sufficient evidence against the player to stand trial.
Rachel-Flore Pardo, the lawyer representing the plaintiff, said that after more than three years of legal proceedings, “and after being defamed and dragged through the mud by Achraf Hakimi’s defense,” the court’s decision “brings my client a sense of relief and hope.”
Hakimi said in a message posted on X on Friday that his case would have been dismissed if he had not been famous, and that he sometimes feels he has become “an easy target.”
He added that the case has been detrimental not only to him, but also to his family, “and above all, to the truth.”
A date for the trial has yet to be announced.
Additional information by AFP
