French court confirms Moroccan star Achraf Hakimi will stand trial for rape charge

Hakimi, ‌who played for Morocco during its ‌World Cup opener against Brazil on Sunday, had appealed his referral to criminal ‌court. French media reported earlier that ⁠the Versailles ‌appeals court had rejected the appeal, paving ​the way for his trial in a criminal court at ​some point in the future.

"Today, a story that isn't mine is being told ⁠at the ​expense of my family, my life, and above all, the truth. Sometimes I feel like I've become an easy ‌target," the star defender wrote in a post on social media platform X.

"I've been waiting for this trial since day one. And now I'm looking forward to it. Finally, I'll be able to speak out."

It was not immediately clear when the trial ‌would be due to start. The ​Versailles appeals court and Hakimi's lawyer ‌did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The Nanterre prosecutor's office opened an investigation in 2023 after an allegation of rape was made ⁠against him.