India, June 19 -- Paris Saint-Germain defender and Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi will face trial on a rape charge after a French appeals court rejected his bid to have the case dismissed on Friday. The Versailles Court of Appeal upheld a previous referral to a criminal court, clearing the way for a trial to be scheduled in the Hauts-de-Seine department. The development emerged just hours before Hakimi was due to lead Morocco on the pitch against Scotland in their second group-stage match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 27-year-old right-back took to social media platform X to issue an immediate response, welcoming the chance to defend himself while maintaining his innocence.

"Today, a story that isn't mine is being told at the expense o...