Morocco calls Hakimi amid rape investigation in France

Despite being involved in a rape allegation in France, Achraf Hakimi was called up to the Moroccan squad for friendlies against Brazil and Peru on Monday.

Morocco coach Walid Regragui said the country supports the Paris Saint-Germain defender.

“For us and for all Moroccans, we stand behind Achraf,” Regragui said at a press conference to announce his first squad since the team’s historic run to the World Cup semi-finals. “Until proven otherwise, he is presumed innocent.”

Hakimi was charged with rape on March 3 by prosecutors in a Nanterre suburb. A 24-year-old woman said she was raped by Hakimi at his home, although his lawyer said it was part of an attempted blackmail.

Hakimi was allowed to leave France and played for PSG at Bayern Munich in the Champions League last week.

Morocco host Brazil in Tangiers on March 25 and play Peru three days later in Madrid.

“I often speak to Achraf as I do to many players,” Regragui said when asked about Hakimi on Monday. “He’s calm, that’s the most important thing. He is someone who is strong on and off the pitch.

“We have to think about football first,” said the coach. “He has people running his business for him.”

Last year Morocco became the first African team to reach the World Cup semi-finals. The team beat Belgium in the group stage and then Spain and Portugal in the knockout rounds. Morocco lost to France in the semifinals before being beaten by Croatia in the third-place play-off.

Hakimi’s outstanding performances in Qatar earned him selection for the World XI team in a poll of players organized by global union FIFPRO.