Morocco's concentration in the 2026 World Cup was shaken by high-impact news. Defender Achraf Hakimi will have to face trial in France for a rape accusation filed in 2023, after an Appeal Court rejected the appeal presented by his defense to avoid reaching that stage.

The judicial resolution once again places the Paris Saint-Germain full-back in the center of international attention, a few hours before a key match for the Moroccan team in the World Cup.

Court rejects appeal and Hakimi will face trial

The decision of the Court of Appeal confirms the sending to trial of the Moroccan footballer, who has rejected the accusations since they became public.

After learning of the resolution, Hakimi reacted on social networks and expressed his position on the judicial process.

“I have the feeling of being an easy target,” the player wrote.

The defender also assured that he is waiting for the judicial instance to publicly present his version of the events.

“Finally I will be able to speak,” he continued. "I have chosen to remain silent for years. I thought that remaining dignified, having patience and trusting in justice would allow good decisions to be made," he said.

"A story that is not mine is being told against my family, my life and, above all, against the truth (...) From the first day I have been waiting for the trial. Now I am looking forward to it. Finally I will be able to speak," he concluded.

Hakimi's defense denounces unequal treatment

The footballer's lawyer, Fanny Colin, questioned the court decision and argued that her client's public notoriety has influenced the perception of the case.

“He has the unpleasant feeling that, since he is a well-known person, he is not being treated like any other defendant,” he declared.

The legal representative also insisted that the player hopes to appear in court to respond to the accusations.

"He impatiently awaits his trial to be able to explain this false accusation against him. He has a lot to tell."

Although the defense still has the possibility of appealing to the French Supreme Court, it has not been confirmed whether it will use that legal route.

What is known about the accusation against Achraf Hakimi?

The case dates back to February 2023, when a woman reported the footballer for events that allegedly occurred at his home in Boulogne-Billancourt, on the outskirts of Paris.

According to the complaint, the young woman went to the player's home after several weeks of conversations through social networks.

The complainant maintains that she was the victim of sexual assault. For his part, Hakimi has denied the accusations from the beginning of the process and has only acknowledged the existence of consensual physical contact.

The French justice considered that there are sufficient elements for the case to be analyzed in court, an instance in which both parties will be able to present evidence and testimonies.

Kylian Mbappé appears linked to the case as a possible witness

One of the names that emerged during the investigation is that of Kylian Mbappé, a close friend of Hakimi and his former teammate at PSG.

The French attacker was questioned during the investigation due to conversations he had with the Moroccan defender on the night of the reported events.

His testimony was used by the defense in different appeals presented during the process.

According to French media, Mbappé could be called as a witness if the parties or the court so consider during the trial.

Morocco remains focused on the 2026 World Cup

The news comes at a particularly sensitive time for the Moroccan team, which is competing in the 2026 World Cup in the United States.

Hakimi is one of the leaders of the African team and a fundamental piece both in defense and in the team's offensive generation.

While the judicial process continues in France, the footballer continues to concentrate on Morocco, waiting to define his legal situation in a trial whose date has not yet been officially announced.

The case will continue to generate international attention due to the player's profile and the sporting and judicial implications surrounding one of the most recognized figures in Moroccan football.