French prosecutors have formally requested that Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi stand trial on rape charges, with the Moroccan international potentially facing a 15-year prison sentence if found guilty.
The Nanterre prosecutor's office submitted their recommendation on August 1, asking an investigating judge to refer the case to a criminal court.
The 26-year-old footballer has been under investigation since March 2023 following accusations that he sexually assaulted a 24-year-old woman at his residence in Boulogne-Billancourt a month prior.
Throughout the proceedings, Hakimi has maintained his innocence and rejected all allegations against him.
Achraf Hakimi starred during PSG's Champions League triumph last season
| PAThe woman alleges that after exchanging Instagram messages with Hakimi since January 2023, he arranged transport to bring her to his residence on February 25 while his family were abroad.
According to her police statement, the footballer initiated unwanted physical contact, kissing her and touching her through her clothing despite her objections.
She claims he then sexually assaulted her against her will, though she eventually succeeded in pushing him off and fleeing the property.
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The alleged incident is reported to have taken place in February 2023
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The woman contacted a friend for assistance immediately after leaving and visited a police station that same day to report the incident, though she initially chose not to lodge a formal complaint.
The footballer was formally charged with rape on March 3, 2023, and placed under judicial supervision following a period in custody.
The woman subsequently provided investigators with text messages she had sent to friends describing her distress after the encounter.
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The investigation has continued for over two years, with the prosecutor's office now believing sufficient evidence exists to proceed to trial.
The investigating magistrate must now determine whether to accept the prosecution's recommendation or dismiss the case.
A decision is anticipated within the coming weeks, with the judge holding sole authority to approve or reject the request for criminal proceedings.
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The Moroccan was an integral member of PSG's extraordinary season last year
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Hakimi's legal representative, Fanny Colin, condemned the prosecution's move as "incomprehensible and senseless in light of the evidence in the case."
She highlighted what she described as inconsistencies in the complainant's account, particularly citing psychological evaluations conducted during the investigation.
"Achraf Hakimi and I remain as calm as when the proceedings began," Colin stated, adding that they would "pursue all avenues of appeal" should the case proceed to trial.
The alleged victim's solicitor, Rachel-Flore Pardo, told Le Parisien that her client had received the prosecution's request with "immense relief," interpreting it as validation that the justice system was treating her allegations with appropriate gravity.