Morocco captain Hakimi to stand trial for rape

Morocco captain Hakimi to stand trial for rape Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Achraf Hakimi made his Morocco debut in 2016 at the age of 17BySean KearnsBBC Sport senior journalistPublished5 minutes agoMorocco captain Achraf Hakimi will stand trial for rape, French prosecutors have confirmed. A woman accused the Paris St-Germain defender of raping her at his home in the French capital in 2023, when she was aged 24. The public prosecutor's office in Nanterre, a western suburb of Paris, began a preliminary investigation in March 2023.An investigating judge ordered a trial in February 2026 and French media report that Hakimi failed with a recent appeal to have the trial dismissed. Hakimi, who is set to lead his side out for their second World Cup fixture against Scotland on Friday (23:00 BST), has consistently denied the accusations."The justice system looked me in the eye and said, 'If you weren't famous, there would never have been a case,'" Hakimi wrote on social media on Friday."I chose to remain silent for years. I believed that maintaining my dignity, being patient, and trusting in the justice system would allow the right decisions to be made."Today, a story that isn't mine is being told at the expense of my family, my life, and above all, the truth. I sometimes feel like I've become an easy target. "I've been waiting for this trial since day one. And now I'm eagerly awaiting it. Finally, I'll be able to speak."Rachel-Flore Pardo, the plaintiff's lawyer said in a statement: "After more than three years of legal proceedings, and after my client was, in her view, defamed and dragged through the mud by Achraf Hakimi's defence, this decision brings her relief and hope."Relief that she has been heard by the justice system and will have the right to a trial."Hope that this trial will help other women and further weaken the wall of denial and impunity surrounding...