Paris Saint-Germain say they are supporting Achraf Hakimi after French prosecutors opened a preliminary investigation into an allegation of rape against the Morocco defender.
An investigation is being led by the prosecutor’s office in the Paris suburb of Nanterre, a judicial official confirmed to the Associated Press on Monday without giving any further details.
Hakimi has not responded publicly to the accusation but PSG said on Tuesday that their player “firmly denied the accusations”.
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In a statement to The Athletic, the French side said of Hakimi: “The club supports the player who has firmly denied the accusations and trusts the justice system.
“PSG is an institution that promotes respect on and off the pitch.”
Hakimi will continue to be available for selection while the investigation is underway.
Hakimi, a right-back and star of Morocco’s history-making team at the World Cup, appeared on stage at the FIFA Awards in Paris on Monday evening as he was honoured as part of the player-voted men’s World XI.
He did not play in PSG’s victory over Marseille on Sunday because of a thigh injury but has made 31 appearances in all competitions so far this season.
