Scandal in Europe: Hakimi will go to trial for alleged rape and could face a sentence of up to 15 years

European soccer was shaken by news involving one of its stars. The full-back for Paris Saint-Germain, Achraf Hakimi, will be tried in France over a rape allegation filed in early 2023. This was decided by the investigating judge, in line with the request of the Nanterre Prosecutor's Office, which believes that there is sufficient evidence to move forward to the trial stage and could request up to 15 years in prison.

The case originated on February 25, 2023, when a 24-year-old woman reported to the police that she had been sexually assaulted at the player's home in Boulogne-Billancourt, on the outskirts of Paris. According to her testimony, the two had previously contacted each other through Instagram and that night she went to the player's house in a vehicle requested by him.

According to the complaint, once at the location Hakimi allegedly kissed her and touched her without her consent before committing the assault. The young woman maintained that she sent a distress message to a friend, who went to the residence. In her statement she asserted: "I expressly asked him to stop, but I did not succeed".

The Moroccan defender was formally charged on March 3, 2023, although he remained free throughout the investigation. The only restrictive measure imposed was the prohibition on having contact with the complainant. The trial will take place in a criminal court in the Paris region, although the start date has not yet been confirmed.

From the beginning of the process, Hakimi denied having committed rape. He acknowledged that there were "mutual hugs and consensual kisses", but he rejected "any act of penetration".

After the court decision became known, the player expressed himself on his X account: "Today, a rape accusation is enough to justify a trial, even though I deny it and everything shows that it is false. This is as unfair to the innocent as it is to genuine victims. I calmly await this trial, which will allow the truth to come to light in public".

His lawyer, Fanny Colin, questioned the ruling and stated that the trial is based "solely on the word of a woman who has placed obstacles in the way of all investigations". She also claimed that the complainant refused to undergo certain medical tests and expert examinations, and maintained that her client is "the object of an attempted blackmail".

Meanwhile, the young woman's legal representation rejected any attempt to discredit her and asserted that the case file doesn't contain elements suggesting extortion.

As the judicial process enters its decisive stage, Hakimi continues his career at PSG and with the Morocco national team, awaiting a trial that will have a major impact on European soccer.