A major legal development has unfolded in the case against Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco star Achraf Hakimi. French prosecutors have formally requested that the footballer be tried in a criminal court for the alleged rape of a woman in February 2023. This move, which comes after an extensive investigation, marks a significant escalation in the legal proceedings and could have severe consequences for the player.

The allegations first came to light in early 2023 when a 24-year-old woman went to a police station in the Paris suburbs. She alleged that she had met Hakimi on Instagram and that he had invited her to his home. The woman claimed she was sexually assaulted by the player while his family was away. Although the woman initially declined to file a formal complaint, the prosecutor's office opened an investigation due to the seriousness of the claims.

Hakimi has vehemently denied the accusations. His lawyer has described the prosecution's request for a trial as "incomprehensible and senseless" and has suggested that her client was the victim of an extortion attempt. However, the prosecutor's office in Nanterre, which has been handling the case, has now asked the investigating judge to refer the rape charge to a criminal court. This indicates that the evidence gathered during the investigation is considered strong enough to warrant a full trial.

The legal process is ongoing, and it is now up to the investigating judge to decide whether to follow the prosecutor's recommendation and send the case to trial. If the case proceeds and Hakimi is found guilty, he could face a prison sentence of up to 15 years under French law.

The case has drawn international attention due to Hakimi's prominent status in the world of football. A key member of the PSG squad and a hero of Morocco's historic run to the 2022 World Cup semifinals, his career and public image are now in jeopardy. This situation serves as a stark reminder that even the most high-profile individuals are not immune from facing justice when serious criminal allegations are made against them.