Hakimi is on Saint-Germain’s list to face Monaco despite being referred for trial

The name of the Moroccan international right-back, Achraf Hakimi, who was referred for trial on charges of rape, was included in the squad of the defending French champions, Paris Saint-Germain, to face its guest, Monaco, on Wednesday, in the second leg of the qualifying round for the 16th round of the Champions League football competition, according to what the Parisian club reported on Wednesday.

The Moroccan star, the team’s second captain and one of its most prominent players, is expected to participate in the starting lineup of Spanish coach Luis Enrique the day after the judicial decision is issued. Although the Parisian club did not issue any official comment, it intends to protect its player, relying on the principle of the presumption of innocence.

Since the beginning of this case in February 2023 and the indictment of Hakimi in March of the same year on charges of raping a young woman, the club has always supported its player.

Enrique commented on Tuesday when asked about the matter in a press conference, saying, “The matter is now in the hands of the judiciary.”

For his part, Hakimi defended himself and wrote on the

The 27-year-old Moroccan international added, “I am calmly awaiting this trial, which will allow the truth to be revealed to the public.”