Paris Saint-Germain heads into the Champions League playoff second leg against Monaco with 27-year-old right-back Achraf Hakimi still at the center of off-field news. According to Le Parisien, his referral to trial for rape will not change his starting position or his status within the club, as the club reiterates the presumption of innocence.
“His status as vice-captain should also not change in principle.”
“The referral to trial for rape changes nothing for Achraf Hakimi from a sporting perspective. He will, in all likelihood, start this Wednesday evening in the Champions League playoff second leg against Monaco. He was also in the starting lineup on Saturday evening for PSG-Metz. He was even captain, in the absence of Marquinhos, who was a substitute that night. His status as vice-captain should also not change in principle.”
“PSG hasn’t changed its position since this case came to light three years ago.”
PSG has no intention of making any changes regarding its full-back, who is still under contract until June 30, 2029, because the Moroccan player denies the allegations against him and is presumed innocent. Privately, the club affirms its continued support for Achraf Hakimi and intends to protect him so he can continue working peacefully. PSG hasn’t changed its position since this case came to light three years ago: it supports its player, presumed innocent until a verdict is reached.
The central idea for PSG can be summed up in one line: sporting continuity and institutional prudence. According to reports, Achraf Hakimi denies the allegations, and the club adheres to a clear legal principle: the presumption of innocence until a judgment is rendered, while also seeking to protect the player in his daily life.
In practical terms, this would mean no changes to the hierarchy: regular inclusion in the starting eleven and continued leadership role, as illustrated by his captain’s armband against Metz in Marquinhos’ absence. Without minimizing the seriousness of the situation, PSG would therefore choose not to impose an internal sporting sanction while the legal proceedings continue.
The real turning point, for all parties, will depend primarily on the legal timeline: until a decision is reached, the club is walking a fine line between responsibility, sporting stability, and managing its image.
