PSG's Hakimi Charged With Rape By French Prosecutors

Paris Saint-Germain's Moroccan defender, Achraf Hakimi, has been charged with rape, according to French prosecutors.

The 24-year-old was accused of rape by a 24-year-old woman and was subsequently questioned on Thursday and charged on Friday. Despite the charge, Hakimi trained with his teammates on Friday morning, and the club "gives its support" to the player, with the PSG spokesman saying that they place their trust in the justice system.

The defender allegedly paid for his accuser to travel to his home in the Paris suburb of Boulogne-Billancourt last Saturday while his wife and children were away on holiday.

The woman went to a police station on Sunday, and Hakimi was questioned by prosecutors on Wednesday. His lawyer, Fanny Colin, said Hakimi "firmly denies all the accusations against him" and was the victim of "an attempted racket."

Reigning Ligue 1 champion PSG are set to play Nantes on Saturday, and Bayern Munich in the second leg of the Champions League last 16 on Wednesday. Hakimi has been receiving treatment for a thigh injury, but PSG announced that he would return to action "next week," suggesting that he would be in the squad for the Bayern match.

Hakimi started his career in the youth system at Real Madrid before joining Borussia Dortmund in 2018. He made 73 appearances for the German club and then moved to Inter Milan in 2020. In 2021, he joined PSG and established himself as an integral part of the team, striking up a close friendship with star forward Kylian Mbappe.

Hakimi's legal proceedings do not prevent him from leaving France, but being charged does not necessarily mean the case will go to trial under French law.