World Cup Captain to Stand Trial for Sexual Assault: Court Rules Evidence Sufficient Against Hakimi

Achraf Hakimi, captain of the Morocco national football team, will face a formal trial after being indicted on charges of sexual assault.

Major foreign media outlets, including the Associated Press, reported that the Versailles Court of Appeal in France has upheld the decision to formally indict Hakimi.

The court determined that the evidence secured during the investigation was sufficient to proceed to trial.

The incident dates back to March 2023.

A woman, who was 23 years old at the time, alleged that she was sexually assaulted by Hakimi at his home.

Following the launch of an investigation by French prosecutors, a local court ruled in February that Hakimi should stand trial.

Hakimi appealed the decision.

However, with the Court of Appeal dismissing his appeal, he can no longer avoid a formal trial.

A specific schedule for the trial has not yet been announced.

Meanwhile, Hakimi played as a starter in the 2026 North and Central America World Cup group stage match against Scotland held today.

On the day the appeal was dismissed, he was named as a starting defender for the second group match held at Boston Stadium in the United States.

Hakimi has strongly expressed his innocence through his social media.

He wrote, "This would never have happened if I were not famous."

He added, "I have remained silent for years and trusted the judicial system."

Finally, he emphasized, "I now look forward to the trial, and I am finally able to make my voice heard."

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.