Today, Tuesday, February 24, marks a trial day for Moroccan and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) forward Achraf Hakimi over a rape allegation that has led to his referral to criminal court in Hauts-de-Seine, France.

Achraf’s legal tussle began in late February 2023 when a 24‑year‑old woman filed a complaint in France, accusing him of assault at his home in Hauts‑de‑Seine.

Authorities in charge took over the case, and French prosecutors opened a formal investigation a few weeks later. The PSG forward was formally placed under judicial supervision and indicted in March that year.

After a long judicial inquiry, which is standard in France for serious allegations, prosecutors in August 2025 recommended that Hakimi face trial, and on February 24, 2026, he was officially referred to the criminal court in Hauts-de-Seine.

Meanwhile, during this period, Hakimi consistently and vehemently denied the allegations, maintaining his innocence.

Ahead of his trial, Achraf took to his X(formerly) Twitter handle and insisted he is innocent and didn’t appreciate what he described as an unjust process despite maintaining that the allegations against him were false.

“Today, an accusation of rape is enough to justify a trial, even though I contest it, and everything shows that it is false. It is as unfair for the innocent as it is for sincere victims,” parts of the tweet read.

He added that he is approaching the situation with calm, confident that the judicial process will allow the truth to emerge: “I calmly await this trial, which will allow the truth to come out publicly.”

Hakimi insists that the encounter was limited to a kiss, setting up a clash of accounts as the case moves forward in the French legal system.

Meanwhile, Ghana's Thomas Partey is currently facing trial for sexual assault.

The Ghanaian international's legal woes began just four days after he departed from Arsenal. He is currently facing six serious criminal charges in the UK. The charges were formally presented at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5. These charges have been levelled against him by three different women.

In one of the charges, Complainant 1 claims that, between April and May 2021, Partey penetrated her anally during what began as consensual vaginal intercourse, without her consent. She further claims that between April and June 2021, Partey engaged her in anal sex on on at least four separate occasions without her consent.

Complainant 2 also alleges that in December 2021, after she refused to engage in sexual activity, Partey raped her vaginally. She also claims that in February 2022, he penetrated her anally after she explicitly declined anal sex. A third allegation from Complainant 2 states that during a trip to Marbella, Spain, in June 2022, Partey raped her vaginally.

Complainant 3 also claims that in February 2022, Partey lay on top of her, attempted to kiss her, and touched her over her clothes without her consent.

However, the player has denied all the allegations levelled against him. His lawyer has denied the charges of rape and sexual assault against her client.

Article image 1The statement issued by Partey's lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, noted:“Thomas Partey denies all the charges against him. He has fully cooperated with the police and CPS throughout their three-year investigation. He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name."

The lawyer noted that as legal proceedings are ongoing, her client will not make any further comment on the matter. Under UK law, rape and sexual assault are prosecuted under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, which sets out clear definitions and penalties for these crimes. Rape is defined as intentional penile penetration of the vagina, anus, or mouth of another person without their consent and without a reasonable belief that they consent.

Sexual assault involves intentionally touching another person sexually without their consent.

Police said the investigation was opened in February 2022 when it first received a report of rape.

In the case of Thomas Partey, if he is found guilty of the multiple counts of rape and sexual assault, especially involving multiple complainants and repeated offences, he could face a lengthy custodial sentence, potentially 15–25 years or more, depending on the court’s assessment of harm and culpability.

Ghana defends Partey after Villareal's coach remarks

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) rose to the defence of Ghanaian footballer and former Arsenal midfielder, Thomas Partey, following remarks by Villarreal’s coach on his contrasting form since joining the club in August last year.

Speaking during a post-match conference after Villarreal’s Champions League defeat to Bayern Leverkusen in February 2026, Marcelino García Toral said Partey is mentally affected and struggling to meet expected standards since joining the club.

He said, “Thomas, I think there’s a world of difference between the Thomas we know at Arsenal and this one. It’s very difficult to play at this pace in today’s football.”

According to him, six months is enough for Partey to have adapted to the rhythm and playing style of the club, adding that the midfielder has not been in his best form.

“So, I think it’s been six months now, and that’s enough time for this player to show us what he was capable of, or what he’s showing us now,” the coach added.

Reacting to the remarks, GFA Communications Director, Henry Asante Twum, backed Partey, praising him as one of Ghana’s best and dismissing the coach’s comments as harsh on a central figure for Ghana ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“We believe in the quality of Partey, and we do not believe one game defines him as a player. At the FA, we do not share the coach’s view on this matter. Partey remains a top player, and we have a strong belief in his qualities,” Asante Twum said.