French Prosecutors Request Trial of PSG’s Achraf Hakimi for Alleged Rape

French prosecutors have formally requested that Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco footballer Achraf Hakimi face trial for an alleged rape occurring in February 2023, a charge he denies. The Nanterre prosecutor's office submitted the request to the Hauts-de-Seine departmental criminal court after over two years of investigation, with a final decision pending from the investigating judge. The accuser, a 24-year-old woman, alleges that Hakimi invited her to his home, where he made non-consensual sexual advances and raped her, claims Hakimi's legal team contests, describing the allegations as inconsistent and possibly extortionate. Hakimi was charged in March 2023 and placed under judicial supervision but has continued to play for PSG and remain a prominent football figure. His lawyer criticized the prosecution's move as incomprehensible given the evidence and stated their intention to appeal if the trial proceeds. If convicted, Hakimi faces up to 15 years in prison, though the prosecution's request does not imply guilt but indicates sufficient evidence for trial.