Morocco Stands by Hakimi as Rape Trial Confirmed

The Moroccan national team has thrown its weight behind captain Achraf Hakimi after a French appeals court ruled that the Paris Saint-Germain star will stand trial over a rape allegation. Speaking to reporters, Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi declared the squad is fully united in support of their talismanic defender, who he says remains 'very relaxed' despite the legal cloud.

The Background

Hakimi, one of Africa's most prominent footballers, has been under investigation since early 2023 after a woman accused him of rape at his home near Paris. French prosecutors initially dropped the case in May of that year, citing insufficient evidence. However, the complainant appealed, and the court's reversal now means Hakimi will face a full trial. The exact timeline for the trial remains unconfirmed, but the decision marks a significant turn in a case that has drawn global attention to the player's personal life.

National Team Support

Ouahbi's comments came during a press conference ahead of Morocco's upcoming international fixtures. 'We are behind Achraf 100%,' the coach said, emphasizing that the dressing room remains focused on football. Hakimi, who was not present at the briefing, is expected to join the squad for their next camp. The defender has continued to perform at a high level for both club and country, helping Morocco reach the World Cup semifinals in 2022—a historic achievement for an African nation. The team's public backing underscores their reliance on his leadership and on-pitch quality.

What It Means

While Hakimi is presumed innocent until proven guilty, the trial process could disrupt his season and overshadow Morocco's preparations for upcoming tournaments. The Atlas Lions are set to defend their Africa Cup of Nations title in early 2025 and are already eyeing the 2026 World Cup. A prolonged legal battle may affect his availability for key fixtures, though Ouahbi insisted the squad will not dwell on distractions. For now, the message from camp is clear: Hakimi remains their captain, their rock, and they will stand by him through the storm.