Moroccan football star Achraf Hakimi will face trial in France over a rape allegation linked to a 2023 incident, after a French appeals court confirmed on Friday that the case will proceed to a criminal court.

The ruling represents a major legal development for the Paris Saint-Germain defender, although no date has yet been fixed for the start of the trial.

ALSO READ: AFCON 2025: Morocco Eye Top Spot As Hakimi Makes First Appearance

Hakimi, who has consistently denied all allegations, remains one of the most high-profile African players in world football and a key figure for both club and country.

Allegation dates back to 2023

The case began in February 2023, when a 24-year-old woman reported to police in the Val-de-Marne region, southeast of Paris, that she was raped at Hakimi’s residence.

Investigators say the woman claimed she met Hakimi on Instagram and later visited his home in a taxi allegedly arranged by him.

She further alleged that unwanted advances were made before the situation escalated, adding that she managed to push him away and later contacted a friend who came to pick her up.

Hakimi maintains innocence

Following the court ruling on Friday, Hakimi insisted he is ready to defend himself, saying:
“I’ve been waiting for this trial since day one. At last, I’ll be able to speak.”

His lawyer, Fanny Colin, also stressed that the decision does not indicate guilt, stating: “Nothing here says that he is guilty of anything, he remains steadfast in his defence.”

Complainant speaks out

The complainant, identified as “Jeanne,” told French media outlet Mediapart that she is seeking justice and wants her voice heard in court: “I want to defend myself, to be heard. I want to explain myself. I want people to believe me,” she said.

Her lawyer, Rachel-Flore Pardo, described the ruling as bringing “relief and hope” to her client.

A trial date has not yet been announced as the case moves forward in the French judicial system.

Brazil will be without star forward Neymar when they face Haiti in their second Group C match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday, as the veteran attacker continues to recover from a calf injury.

The 34-year-old has been sidelined since suffering a right calf injury in late May and has only recently resumed training with the national team.

As a result, he will not travel with the squad to Philadelphia for the encounter against Haiti.

SEE MORE: Shock As Brazilian Billionaire Wills £846m To Neymar

Neymar was also absent from Brazil’s opening World Cup fixture, which ended in a 1-1 draw against Morocco.

Before the tournament, head coach Carlo Ancelotti had expressed optimism that the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star could return in time to feature against Haiti.

However, Brazil’s coaching staff have decided not to rush his recovery. Reports in Brazilian media indicate that Ancelotti and his team are keen to avoid aggravating the injury and risking Neymar’s availability for the later stages of the competition.

Confirming the development on Thursday, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) announced that the country’s all-time leading scorer would remain behind in New Jersey to continue his rehabilitation.

In a statement, the federation said Neymar “will remain in New Jersey to make the most of the final stage of his recovery process.”

The Santos forward has endured a challenging season plagued by fitness concerns, featuring in only half of his club’s matches this year.

Neymar has not played for Brazil since October 2023, making his anticipated return one of the major talking points surrounding the five-time world champions at the tournament.

Brazil, who are seeking their first victory after being held by Morocco in their opening match, will be hoping to overcome Haiti without their talismanic playmaker.

The Seleção will round off their Group C campaign against Scotland in Miami on June 24, with hopes that Neymar could be available for selection if his recovery continues as planned.

Tunisia have sent shockwaves through the football world after dismissing head coach Sabri Lamouchi following just one game at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Tunisian Football Federation announced the decision on Monday after the North African nation suffered a humiliating 5-1 defeat to Sweden in their opening Group F clash.

SEE ALSO: Super Eagles Thrash Tunisia 3-2, Advance To AFCON Round Of 16

The loss prompted swift action from football authorities, making Lamouchi the first coach in World Cup history to be sacked after managing only one match at the tournament.

In a bid to rescue their campaign, Tunisia have appointed experienced French coach Herve Renard to take charge of the team until the end of the World Cup.

Confirming the appointment, the Tunisian public broadcaster quoted federation president Moez Nassari as saying:

“The president of the Tunisian Football Federation, Moez Nassari, announced that an official agreement had been reached with French coach Herve Renard for him to take charge of the national football team until the end of the 2026 World Cup.”

Renard brings a wealth of international experience to the role.

He is best remembered for leading Saudi Arabia to a stunning victory over eventual champions Argentina at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He also previously coached the France women’s national team.

Lamouchi, 54, was only appointed Tunisia coach in January but endured a difficult spell in charge. During his short tenure, he managed just one victory in five matches, a narrow 1-0 win against Haiti.

The crushing defeat to Sweden has left Tunisia’s hopes of reaching the knockout stages hanging by a thread.

The Carthage Eagles now face crucial Group F fixtures against Japan and the Netherlands, with Renard tasked with reviving their World Cup ambitions.

Tunisia will take on Japan on Saturday before concluding their group-stage campaign against the Netherlands in what could determine their fate at the tournament.