Morocco manager Mohamed Ouahbi insists his team are “behind” captain Achraf Hakimi after a French appeals court confirmed that he will stand trial in a rape case.
Hakimi, who denies any wrongdoing, was booed by members of the Tartan Army during each touch of the ball during the 1-0 win for the African side at the World Cup 2026.
But the Paris Saint-Germain star, who is due to stand trial after recommendations from the public prosecutors, remains “very relaxed”, according to his coach Ouahbi.
He added: “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.”
Hakimi, who had appealed the decision by an investigative judge in February, claimed in a social media post on Friday that he felt he was “an easy target.”
After being targeted by Scotland fans at the Boston Stadium, Hakimi responded by whipping up the Morocco fans and urging them to raise their voices during several corners.
“He did a good job, why talk about management?” Ouahbi questioned. “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.
“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.”
A 24-year-old woman said she was raped by Hakimi at his home in a Paris suburb, which led to the player facing preliminary charges of rape in March 2023.
The Versailles appeals court stated that Hakimi should be formally charged with rape. The court detailed how investigations conducted during the inquiry and the judicial investigation contributed to the investigating chamber recommending that the player should stand trial due to finding sufficient evidence.
Rachel-Flore Pardo, the lawyer representing the plaintiff, said her client had “a sense of relief and hope” following more than three years of legal proceedings, while also hitting out at Hakimi’s defense “after being defamed and dragged through the mud.”
While Hakimi’s social media post read: ““Justice looked me in the eyes and said to me: ‘If you weren’t famous, there never would have been a case.’
“I chose to remain silent for years. I thought that staying dignified, being patient, and trusting the justice system would allow the right decisions to be made.
“Today, a story that is not mine is being told to the detriment of my family, my life, and above all, the truth.
“I sometimes get the feeling that I have become an easy target. I have been awaiting the trial since day one. And I await it now impatiently. At last, I will be able to speak.”
A date for the trial has not yet been announced.
