PSG and Morocco star Achraf Hakimi to stand trial for rape

The footballer released a statement

It comes after the 27-year-old had his appeal to the French criminal court rejected.

In February 2023, a woman who was aged 24 at the time told police in the Val-De-Marne region southeast of Paris that Hakimi had sexually assaulted her at his home.

The Moroccan appeared in person at the Versailles Court of Appeal on 22 May to request the case be dismissed.

However, the court has confirmed that the trial is still going ahead.

It said in a statement: "The investigations carried out during the preliminary inquiry and the judicial investigation led the investigating chamber to conclude that there is sufficient evidence against Mr. Achraf Hakimi Mouh to justify his indictment before the departmental criminal court of Hauts-de-Seine."

Meanwhile, Hakimi also released his own statement this morning on social media.

He wrote: "The justice system looked me in the eyes and told me: 'If you weren't famous, there would never have been a case."

"I chose to stay quiet for years. I thought that in staying dignified, in being patient and having confidence in the justice system that the right decisions would be taken.

"Today, a story which is not mine has been told to the detriment of my familly, of my life and most of all of the truth.

"I have often had the feeling of having become an easy target.

"I have been awaiting this trial since the first day. And I await it from now on with impatience.

"Finally, I will be able to speak."

Hakimi is currently playing at the World Cup in North America for Morocco.

He is set to play tonight against Scotland.