March 3 – Paris St Germain’s Moroccan international Achraf Hakimi is facing a criminal investigation in France following an allegation of rape, prosecutors have confirmed.
Hakimi, 24, was questioned by prosecutors on Thursday in connection with accusations from a 24-year-old woman, and subsequently charged.
The Madrid-born player, who was a key part of Morocco’s historic run to the semi-finals of the World Cup in Qatar, was seen at PSG training on Friday morning. His lawyer had earlier said the rape accusations were false, adding her client would be cooperating with authorities.
Hakimi allegedly paid for his accuser to travel to his house while his wife and children were away on holiday. His wife, actress Hiba Abouk, had reportedly filed for divorce recently.
On Monday, Hakimi, a cornerstone of the Morocco team that became the first Arab nation to reach the last four of a World Cup, appeared at the FIFA Best awards ceremony in Paris, where he was named in the Fifpro men’s world team of the year.
Under French law, being charged does not necessarily mean the case will go to trial. Hakimi has been placed under police monitoring and was banned from contact with the alleged victim, the prosecution office said.
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