Achraf Hakimi: French prosecutors open preliminary investigation into a rape accusation against PSG defender

French prosecutors have opened a preliminary investigation into a rape accusation against Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi, a judicial official said on Monday via the Associated Press.

The investigation is being led by the prosecutor’s office in the Paris suburb of Nanterre, the official told AP.

The official would not provide details about the accusation or comment on media reports about what allegedly happened.

The official was not authorised to be publicly named speaking about an ongoing investigation.

The Spain-born 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.

He was honoured as part of the player-voted men’s World XI. He was greeted by brief, loud applause when the audience was asked to “Welcome Achraf Hakimi.”

PSG officials did not respond to requests for comment, and Hakimi has not publicly responded to the accusation.

Hakimi did not play in PSG’s victory over Marseille on Sunday because of thigh problems.