Hakimi’s World Cup nightmare: PSG star faces trial and Morocco boos

Achraf Hakimi’s World Cup campaign has become a collision of off-field legal drama and on-field scrutiny, as Morocco’s captain faces a rape trial while his performances draw growing fan disapproval. The PSG full-back, already under the microscope after a French appeals court confirmed he will stand trial, was loudly jeered during Morocco’s 1-0 win over Scotland on 19 June—just hours after the court’s decision.

From Paris courtrooms to Moroccan chants

The Versailles appeals court’s confirmation that Hakimi will face trial followed a February ruling by an investigative judge, which prosecutors had recommended proceed. The case stems from a March 2023 accusation by a 24-year-old woman who alleged she was raped at Hakimi’s home in a Paris suburb. Hakimi denies any wrongdoing, but the timing of the court’s announcement—mere hours before Morocco’s World Cup match—turned the spotlight toward his national team role.

Rachel-Flore Pardo, the plaintiff’s lawyer, framed the decision as a rare moment of validation for survivors. “Relief that she has been heard by the justice system and will have her case heard at trial,” Pardo said in a statement. “Hope that this trial will help other women and further weaken the fortress of denial and impunity surrounding sexual violence, including within the world of men’s football.”

Hakimi, meanwhile, took to X to question whether his fame shaped the case’s trajectory. “Justice looked me in the eye and told me: ‘If you were not famous, there would never have been a case,’” he wrote. “I chose to remain silent for years. I believed that staying dignified, being patient, and trusting the justice system would allow the right decisions to be made.” His message underscored the personal toll of a legal battle that has now bled into his professional life.

Morocco’s World Cup tensions

The court’s decision arrived as Morocco navigated a pivotal World Cup group stage. Hours later, Hakimi was greeted with boos every time he touched the ball during the 1-0 win over Scotland, a match that followed a 1-1 draw with Brazil in Morocco’s opener. The backlash reflects broader unease among fans, who now weigh Hakimi’s leadership against the allegations hanging over him.

Hakimi’s role as Morocco’s captain amplifies the stakes. His absence from the pitch would leave a void in a team already under pressure to progress, while his presence—amid jeers—risks overshadowing the squad’s on-field ambitions. The dual narrative—legal uncertainty and sporting expectation—has created an unprecedented tension for a player once celebrated as a symbol of Moroccan football’s rise.

Hakimi’s legal team has argued that the case should have been dismissed, citing what they describe as “a multitude of exculpatory elements uncovered during…” the investigation. Yet the appeals court’s decision to proceed signals that prosecutors and judges see sufficient grounds to test the allegations in a trial setting. A date for that trial has not been announced, leaving Hakimi—and Morocco—in limbo.

PSG’s dilemma and the wider football landscape

Hakimi’s travails extend beyond the World Cup, complicating his standing at PSG. The club, fresh from Champions League glory, now faces a delicate balance: supporting a high-profile player while navigating the optics of his legal situation. Hakimi’s contract, signed in 2021, remains in force, but the club’s decision-making—whether in transfers or squad rotation—may now factor in reputational risks.

Speculation about PSG’s transfer strategy has already intensified, with reports linking the club to alternatives like Liverpool target Ousmane Diomande. PSG in talks to sign Liverpool target Diomande and Liverpool consider Barcola as PSG advance reflect a market where clubs weigh not just sporting fit but also public perception. For PSG, Hakimi’s situation adds another layer of complexity to an already intricate transfer calculus.

The Moroccan federation, meanwhile, has offered no public stance on Hakimi’s captaincy, leaving the decision in the hands of the player and his legal team. With the World Cup still in its early stages, the federation’s silence contrasts with the vocal reactions of fans, whose boos in stadiums have become the most immediate form of accountability.

Hakimi’s World Cup nightmare is far from over. The court’s confirmation of a trial ensures that legal proceedings will shadow his campaign, while Moroccan supporters’ disapproval has turned the tournament into a referendum on his leadership. Whether he can reclaim the trust of fans—or whether the allegations will ultimately reshape his career—remains an open question. One thing is certain: the intersection of justice and football has rarely been this stark.