PSG’s Hakimi responds to rape accusation …as French prosecutors open investigation
The lawyer of Achraf Hakimi insists an allegation of rape against the footballer is “false” and confirmed the Paris Saint-Germain wing-back is “making himself available to the authorities” after an investigation was opened.
A 24-year-old woman has accused Hakimi of raping her at his home in the French capital on February 25.
A report from Le Parisien outlines how the alleged victim reported the incident at a police station on Sunday evening but did not want to press charges against the footballer. However, the public prosecutor’s office in Nanterre, a western suburb in Paris, has confirmed they have opened an investigation.
The original report detailing the charges claims that Hakimi, who starred in Morocco’s run to the World Cup semi-finals in December, was only informed that an investigation had been opened an hour and a half before Monday night’s FIFA The Best ceremony in the French capital.
The former Real Madrid and Inter Milan defender was named in the FIFPro men’s world team of the year alongside other winners including his PSG teammates Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi.
Hakimi’s lawyer, Fanny Colin, said on Tuesday night in quotes carried by Le Parisien: “The accusations are false. He is calm and is making himself available to the authorities.”
Known for his acceleration, work rate, crossing and goalscoring ability; Hakimi is regarded as one of the best right-backs in world football. His attributes mean that he is often deployed higher up the pitch than a traditional right-back.
Born in Madrid to Moroccan parents, Hakimi graduated through Real Madrid’s youth academy and broke through into the first-team squad in 2017, scoring twice in 17 first-team appearances.
He subsequently spent two seasons on loan at German giants Borussia Dortmund before joining Inter in the summer of 2020, helping them to win the Serie A title in his debut season.
He moved to PSG the following year, where he has scored eight goals in 72 appearances. —MirrorOnline
