Achraf Hakimi could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted over an allegation of rape, after prosecutors in France formally requested that the Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco international be sent for trial before a criminal court.

The request, signed on August 1 by the Nanterre prosecutor’s office, marks the latest development in a judicial investigation that has spanned more than two years. A final decision on whether the case goes to trial now rests with the investigating judge, who can either approve or dismiss the recommendation.

The case stems from an alleged incident on the night of February 25, 2023, at Hakimi’s home in Boulogne-Billancourt, a suburb west of Paris. A 24-year-old woman claims she was raped after being invited to the player’s residence.

She told police that the two had begun exchanging messages on Instagram in January and that Hakimi arranged for a car to bring her to his home.  

Once there, she alleges he began kissing and touching her without consent and, despite her protests, forced her to engage in sexual acts. She says she eventually managed to push him away and left, later messaging a friend for help.

The woman reported the alleged rape to police the following day, although she did not initially file a formal complaint. Messages she sent to friends about the incident were later provided to investigators. On March 3, 2023, Hakimi was placed under formal investigation — the French equivalent of being charged.

—DAILY MAIL