Achraf Hakimi, defender of Paris Saint-Germain, has asked a court to dismiss rape charges against him as proceedings continue in France, AFP reported Friday citing a source close to the case.
The hearing was held at the Versailles appeals court, west of Paris, where judges reviewed his request to have the case thrown out. A ruling is expected on June 19.
If the appeal is rejected and the charges are not downgraded, the 27-year-old Morocco international will stand trial on a date yet to be set.
Hakimi was formally placed under judicial supervision after a woman accused him in February 2023 of rape, following an alleged incident at his home in the Val-de-Marne area near Paris. He denies all allegations.
According to earlier police reports, the woman said she met Hakimi via Instagram and later visited him by taxi. She alleged that he made unwanted sexual advances and raped her before she left and contacted a friend for assistance.
Hakimi’s lawyer has previously argued that the accusation is unsupported by evidence, claiming the complainant refused medical examinations and key investigative procedures.
The French prosecutor’s office has already referred the case to trial, though the final decision now depends on the outcome of the appeal process.
Hakimi, who joined PSG in 2021 from Inter Milan after spells at Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, has been a key figure for both club and country, helping Morocco reach the 2022 World Cup semi-finals.
He is also expected to be part of the PSG squad for upcoming major fixtures, including European competitions later this season.
