With Achraf Hakimi said to be facing up to 15 years in prison, the Paris Saint-Germain star has broken his silence on the rape allegations.
Fresh off the back of a brilliant campaign with PSG, which saw them win the UEFA Champions League, Hakimi now faces serious trouble away from the pitch.
The Morocco international stands accused of rape in France after a 24-year-old woman accused him of the crime.
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The alleged incident is said to have taken place in February 2023, after Hakimi reportedly invited the woman to his mansion while his then-wife was away.
In March that same year, Hakimi was charged with rape, as the woman alleges that the right-back proceeded to assault her without consent, despite her attempts to reject his advances.
French prosecutors are calling for a trial, where Hakimi could receive a maximum sentence of 15 years for non-aggravated rape.
"It is now up to the investigating magistrate to make a decision within the framework of his order," the prosecutor's office told AFP in a statement.
Speaking to Canal+, Hakimi strongly denied the rape accusations.
"I'm calm. This false accusation was horrible, unfair," he said.
"I wouldn't wish this on anyone, it's not right. I know the truth will come out.
"I don't blame myself for anything, those who know me, know that. I'm calm and I'm focusing on the more important things in my life: family, football."
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By Lukhanyo Mtuta
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