A signed written statement from Kylian Mbappe has been formally submitted to the investigating chamber handling Achraf Hakimi’s appeal against a decision to refer his case to trial, according to documents referenced in French media reports.
Hakimi, the Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco right-back, is contesting a ruling made during the initial investigation phase that would see him face a criminal court over allegations brought by a woman following a reported incident in 2023. The defender has consistently denied all wrongdoing since the case became public.
Mbappe’s statement was introduced by Hakimi’s defence team to challenge how the original police deposition given by the France and Real Madrid forward was interpreted by the investigating judge. In the initial referral decision, elements of Mbappe’s testimony were cited as part of the body of evidence used to justify sending the case to trial. Those remarks reportedly described a conversation in which Hakimi discussed meeting individuals on the evening in question.
However, Mbappe’s clarification asserts that his original comments were based on a general conversation with Hakimi and were not intended to suggest, nor should be read as confirming, any non-consensual behaviour. His written statement reportedly emphasises that Hakimi made no admission of wrongdoing during their discussion, and that the interpretation applied to his deposition was inaccurate.
Hakimi’s legal team has seized on this clarification as a central pillar of the appeal, arguing that the misreading of witness testimony represents a significant flaw in the decision to proceed to trial. Lawyers representing the plaintiff have maintained that the overall evidence — including messaging records and additional elements examined during the investigation — remains sufficient to uphold the referral, regardless of Mbappe’s revised position.
The investigating chamber is now tasked with reviewing the full appeal. A ruling is expected later in the judicial calendar, and its outcome will carry significant consequences — either confirming that Hakimi faces a formal criminal trial or triggering a reassessment of the charges against him.
— NutmegXtra | Football News. Transfers. More.
