Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi says the national team remains fully behind captain Achraf Hakimi and is not distracted by a French court ruling ordering the defender to stand trial in a rape case.
Ouahbi spoke after Morocco’s 1-0 World Cup victory over Scotland on Friday, insisting that Hakimi remained focused and delivered an outstanding performance despite the legal development.
The ruling by a French appeals court was made public hours before the match. Hakimi, who denies any wrongdoing, had appealed an earlier decision by an investigative judge that followed recommendations from public prosecutors that he face trial.
When asked whether he had concerns about managing the player following the court decision, Ouahbi dismissed suggestions that the issue had affected the team.
“Did you see the game? I suppose you did. Hakimi was extraordinary so we’re very relaxed, he’s very relaxed and I believe he played really well,” the Morocco coach said.
Hakimi was booed by sections of the crowd whenever he touched the ball during the match.
“He did a good job, why talk about management?” Ouahbi added. “He woke up in the morning, ate like everybody, he was focused, he played with everybody, he wanted to play strongly and that’s what he did.”
Reaffirming the team’s support for the captain, the coach said: “We don’t have to say anything — we’re behind him, he’s very relaxed and hopefully he’s going to show he’s the best wingback in the world. I believe this is important for me, the players and the 44 million Moroccans who are following us.”
Hakimi was placed under preliminary investigation in 2023 after a 24-year-old woman accused him of rape at his home near Paris.
The Versailles appeals court said investigations conducted during the inquiry and judicial process produced sufficient evidence for the case to proceed to trial.
The player’s legal team has maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings.
Hakimi also responded to the ruling on Friday, saying the case would have been dismissed if he were not famous and describing himself as “an easy target.” He added that the matter had affected his family and “above all, the truth.”
Despite the controversy, Morocco secured victory over Scotland to strengthen their position at the World Cup, with Ouahbi insisting the legal proceedings have not altered the team’s focus on the tournament.