PSG Star Achraf Hakimi Faces Lengthy 15-Year Prison Spell Over Rape Allegations

Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco international Achraf Hakimi could be formally charged and brought to trial over rape allegations stemming from an incident in February 2023. 

This follows a final indictment request filed by the Nanterre prosecutor’s office on Thursday, August 1, according to French outlet Le Parisien.

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The 26-year-old defender, who has consistently denied the allegations, maintains that the claims are an attempt to extort money from him. If the case proceeds to trial and he is found guilty, Hakimi could face up to 15 years in prison under French law.

The alleged incident occurred in Hakimi’s home in Boulogne-Billancourt, a suburb west of Paris. According to Le Parisien, the alleged victim—a woman in her mid-twenties—told investigators she met the footballer through Instagram and had been communicating with him for over a month before agreeing to visit him.

She claims that Hakimi kissed her, touched her without consent, and then sexually assaulted her.

 The woman reportedly left his home and informed the police the same day, although she did not immediately file a formal complaint. Later, she submitted written accounts and messages describing the psychological impact of the encounter.

French authorities launched a preliminary investigation shortly afterward, with Hakimi placed under formal investigation on March 3, 2023. He was briefly held in custody for questioning before being released under judicial supervision.

The final indictment request submitted Thursday recommends that Hakimi be referred to the criminal court of Hauts-de-Seine. However, a judge must still review the case and either uphold or dismiss the prosecutor’s recommendation before any trial can be confirmed.

Throughout the process, Hakimi has denied all allegations and described the case as “a coordinated attempt to extort money.” His legal team has not issued new comments since Thursday’s filing but previously said they were confident the case would not go to trial.

Paris Saint-Germain has expressed support for the player, citing trust in the French judicial process. The club has stated that Hakimi’s absences from training over the last year were due to “personal reasons,” and he was allowed time to manage the situation privately.

The club has not issued any new statements following Thursday’s development.

The final decision now lies with the investigating judge overseeing the case, who will determine whether the evidence warrants a full trial in the criminal court. If the case proceeds, it could take months before a trial date is set.

Hakimi, a key player for both PSG and the Moroccan national team, was part of the squad that reached the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, making him one of Africa’s most prominent footballers.

 The outcome of this case could have serious legal and professional implications for his career.