France: Achraf Hakimi to appear for rape after rejection of his appeal

Achraf Hakimi, a defender for Paris Saint-Germain, will appear before French courts for rape after his cassation appeal was rejected on September 23, 2026. The Versailles Court of Appeal had confirmed his referral to the criminal court of Hauts-de-Seine in June 2026. Although he contests the allegations, he remains presumed innocent until a final judgment. This case is part of a broader context where other football players have faced similar legal proceedings.