Achraf Hakimi to Face Rape Trial After Court Rejects Appeal The Tribunal of Appeal in Versailles has dismissed Achraf Hakimi’s appeal against the order to proceed with his trial for rape, confirming that the Moroccan footballer will face charges in the Hauts-de-Seine Departmental Criminal Court. The case, which has drawn significant public attention, centers on allegations dating back to 2023. A woman who met Hakimi through Instagram before being invited to his home accused him of touching her breasts without consent and then raping her. During her court testimony, the accuser described his actions as inhumane, stating he behaved like an animal, showed no compassion, and seemed desperate for sexual gratification. Hakimi’s legal team, represented by Fanny Colin, expressed disappointment with the court’s decision, arguing that the prosecution failed to address contradictions and inconsistencies in the accuser’s claims. Colin highlighted the accuser’s alleged concealment of information from judicial authorities, obstruction of the truth, and psychological evaluations that suggested her account lacked clarity and credibility. She emphasized that the case has been marred by what she called “mentiras” (lies) and a lack of transparency. Hakimi, currently with the Moroccan national team at the 2026 World Cup, took to social media to respond to the court’s ruling. In a post shared on Twitter, he reflected on the years of silence he had maintained, stating that he had chosen patience and trust in the justice system to avoid public scrutiny. However, he now expressed a desire to finally speak out, calling the current narrative a distortion of his life and family. “I have felt like a target for too long,” he wrote.#achraf_hakimi #tribunal_of_appeal_versailles #hautsdeseine_departmental_criminal_court #fanny_colin #rachelflore_pardo
PSG's Luis Enrique on Managing Rest Ahead of Bayern Return: 'Like Tetris' Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique is preparing for a critical challenge as his team faces a demanding schedule ahead of their Champions League semifinal return against Bayern Munich. The Spanish manager is carefully balancing the need to secure a strong result in their upcoming Ligue 1 match against mid-table Lorient while ensuring key players are rested for the high-stakes Champions League clash. The decision comes after a grueling first leg against Bayern, where PSG narrowly advanced 5-4 following a dramatic 120-minute encounter. Enrique emphasized the complexity of managing player rotations, describing the process as "like Tetris." He acknowledged the physical and mental toll of the Bayern match, which he called "the most physically intense game of the season" and noted the added emotional fatigue. "Every match is different and presents its own challenges," he said, highlighting the need to prioritize both immediate results and long-term fitness. The manager revealed plans to speak individually with players to determine who will be rested, a process he admitted is "not easy." The absence of right-back Achraf Hakimi, who suffered a thigh injury during the Bayern clash, has forced Enrique to adjust his tactics. The Moroccan defender, described as "a machine who always plays at an incredible level," is expected to miss several weeks, leaving a significant gap in PSG's defense. To address this, Warren Zaïre-Emery is likely to shift from midfield to right back, a move that carries its own risks. Enrique stressed the importance of keeping Zaïre-Emery fit, as the team also faces potential strain on goalkeeper Matvei Safonov.#bayern_munich #ligue_1 #paris_saint_germain #luis_enrique #achraf_hakimi
