Achraf Hakimi to face trial in France for alleged 2023 rape
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
A French appeals court has confirmed that Moroccan football star Achraf Hakimi will stand trial for the alleged rape of a woman in 2023. The Paris Saint-Germain defender denies the accusations. In February 2023, a 24-year-old woman reported to police that Hakimi had raped her. Hakimi, the PSG right-back and captain of the Moroccan national team, has consistently denied any wrongdoing, stating on X that he had been "waiting for this trial since day one" and would "at last, be able to speak." His lawyer, Fanny Colin, noted that the confirmation was expected and that Hakimi remains steadfast in his defense. The plaintiff's lawyer, Rachel-Flore Pardo, expressed that the decision brought her client "relief and hope." The plaintiff reportedly met Hakimi on Instagram in January 2023 and went to his home. She alleged that he kissed her, touched her without consent, and then raped her, managing to push him away and text a friend for a ride. Speaking to Mediapart, the woman, using the pseudonym Jeanne, stated she wanted a trial "to defend myself, to be heard" and for people to believe her. A date for the trial has not yet been announced.
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The United States and Australia are looking to secure their spots in the World Cup knockout rounds today. Tournament co-hosts Mexico have already advanced to the last 32. The USA, coming off a 4-1 victory over Paraguay, will face Australia, who recently defeated Turkey 2-0. This match has generated some tension after a US pundit suggested Australia would be an easy opponent, prompting Socceroos coach Tony Popovic to state his team would prove themselves on the field. Meanwhile, Brazil aims to rebound from a 1-1 draw with Morocco as they prepare to play Haiti. Brazil defender Gabriel Magalhaes acknowledged the team's poor first match but emphasized their commitment to winning. Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti plans to change the lineup and stressed the importance of resilience. Scotland captain Andy Robertson is focused on building on their 1-0 win against Haiti to secure a result against Morocco, hoping to reach the knockout rounds for the first time. Morocco's preparations have been affected by the confirmation that their captain, Achraf Hakimi, will face trial for an alleged rape in 2023, a charge he denies. Off the field, Iran's football federation plans to lodge a complaint with FIFA regarding travel restrictions, stating their request to fly from Tijuana to Los Angeles two days before their match against Belgium was denied. The US administration, through Andrew Giuliani, stated Iran was informed they would only be allowed to enter the United States the day before their match
Sarah Araba Tettey, a 26-year-old Ghanaian lawyer, reportedly died after collapsing while celebrating Ghana's victory over Panama at the FIFA World Cup. The incident occurred on Wednesday at Standard Hostel in Bomso, near the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Tettey, an alumna of the university's Faculty of Law, was watching the match with friends when she collapsed during post-match celebrations. She was rushed to a hospital but was later pronounced dead. Tettey had been called to the Ghana Bar earlier this year and was practicing with O & A Legal Consult. Her death has led to an outpouring of grief on social media. No official statement has been issued by her family regarding the circumstances of her death, and the exact cause of death has not been officially confirmed by her family or medical authorities. Her body has been deposited at a mortuary.
Ivory Coast striker Elye Wahi has received permission to travel to Canada for his country鈥檚 World Cup match against Germany, according to the Ivorian football federation. This development follows earlier indications that Wahi, who is under investigation for alleged betting-related offenses, would be unable to travel. French police arrested Wahi in May as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged spot-fixing activities. The French soccer league reported an "unusual amount of bets" placed internationally on Wahi receiving a yellow card during a May 17 match while playing for OGC Nice. The Marseille prosecutor鈥檚 office confirmed a 23-year-old professional football player was arrested on May 29, 2026, as part of an investigation into alleged offenses including organized fraud, sports corruption, receiving stolen goods, and money laundering. The player was questioned and released. The Ivorian football federation stated it has not been formally informed of any judicial or administrative proceedings against Wahi and offers its full support, reaffirming confidence in him as an important team member. Wahi started in Ivory Coast's 1-0 win over Ecuador and is scheduled to face Germany on Saturday.