PSG defender Achraf Hakimi faces criminal investigation after rape allegation

Achraf Hakimi, a defender for Paris St. Germain and Morocco, is the subject of a criminal inquiry following a rape accusation.

A 24-year-old lady claims that Hakimi sexually assaulted her on February 25 at his Paris home, but Hakimi denies this.

Hakimi was the victim of “attempted racketeering,” according to the player’s attorney.

Hakimi has been placed under police supervision and is not permitted to contact the accused victim, according to the Nanterre prosecution office’s announcement on Friday.

According to his lawyer, Fanny Colin, Hakimi, 24, “firmly denies all the accusations against him” and welcomes the investigation because “he finally has the possibility to defend himself”.

“The club supports the player, who has firmly denied the accusations and trusts the justice system,” PSG said in a statement on Thursday.

“Paris St-Germain is an institution that promotes respect on and off the pitch.”

At a news conference on Friday, PSG boss Christophe Galtier declined to comment on the probe.

On Wednesday, the second leg of the Champions League semifinal between the Ligue 1 leaders and Bayern Munich will take place. Hakimi is anticipated to play after recuperating from a muscular injury.

Galtier said: “The aim with our medical staff is for him to be available for the match against Bayern.”

Hakimi, who was born in Spain, played a significant role in Morocco becoming the first African team to go to the World Cup semifinals in Qatar.

At the Best FIFA Football Awards ceremony held in Paris on Monday night, he was recognized for his contributions and included in the FIFPro men’s world squad of the year.