Paris Saint-Germain defender and Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi is to stand trial in France over an allegation of rape, following a decision by an investigating judge to send the case before a criminal court.

The proceedings arise from a complaint filed by a 24-year-old woman who told police she was raped at Hakimi’s home in Boulogne-Billancourt, on the outskirts of Paris. She alleged the incident occurred after the pair made contact via social media and she visited his residence late in the evening.

Following her complaint, Hakimi was placed under formal investigation on a rape charge, a step in the French legal system that falls short of a conviction but signals that authorities consider there to be serious or consistent evidence. Judicial sources have confirmed that the investigative phase has now concluded with a decision to move the case to trial.

Prosecutors in Nanterre had previously requested that the matter be heard by a criminal court, and the judge’s ruling aligns with that recommendation. A trial date has not yet been made public, and the proceedings are expected to focus heavily on the question of consent.

Hakimi, 27, has repeatedly denied the allegation. Through his lawyers and in public statements, he has insisted that any encounter was consensual and that he is the target of a false accusation. His legal team has argued that the evidence does not support the charge and has pledged to contest the case vigorously in court.

In a statement posted on social media, Hakimi said the decision to send him to trial showed that “a rape accusation is enough to justify a trial” despite his denials. He described the situation as unjust both to those who are falsely accused and to genuine victims, adding that he is awaiting the hearings “calmly” and expects the process to clear his name.

The case places one of world football’s most prominent full-backs under intense legal and public scrutiny while he continues his club career with PSG and his international duties with Morocco. Under French law, Hakimi is presumed innocent unless and until a court finds otherwise.