Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi, a central figure in the club’s Champions League triumph last season, has been ordered to stand trial on charges of raping a 24-year-old woman, according to his lawyer and French prosecutors.

The Moroccan international, 27, denies the allegations, which stem from a complaint filed in February 2023. The woman told police in Val-de-Marne, southeast of Paris, that Hakimi assaulted her after inviting her to his home. She claims he kissed and touched her without consent before raping her, later managing to push him away and call a friend for help.

Hakimi has publicly rejected the accusations, writing on X: “Today, a rape accusation is enough to justify a trial, even though I contest it and everything proves that it is false. I await this trial calmly, which will allow the truth to come out publicly.”

His lawyer, Fanny Colin, criticized the decision, arguing that the case relies solely on the plaintiff’s testimony, noting her refusal to undergo medical examinations, DNA testing, or provide access to her phone.

Hakimi, who helped Morocco become the first African and Arab team to reach a World Cup semi-final in 2022, continues to train with PSG. Coach Luis Enrique declined to comment beyond saying the matter is “in the hands of the authorities.” Hakimi is expected to feature in PSG’s upcoming Champions League fixture against Monaco.