Moroccan soccer player Achraf Hakimi from Paris Saint-Germain is on suspicion of rape in the focus of the French judiciary. As the public prosecutor's office in Nanterre confirmed to the German Press Agency on Friday, investigations were initiated against the 24-year-old on Thursday evening after a survey.

The procedure can ultimately lead to a criminal trial if sufficient evidence is found against the accused. Otherwise, the investigators can stop the process again. Hakimi's lawyer, Fanny Colin, had denied the accusation to the newspaper "Le Parisien" and explained: "The allegations are false." In a letter from Friday, from which the newspaper quoted, Colin spoke of an "attempted blackmail".

A 24-year-old woman told police she was raped by Hakimi last weekend. The woman reportedly did not press charges, but because of the seriousness of the allegation, the police informed the public prosecutor's office.

Hakimi has been placed under judicial supervision and is not allowed to have any contact with his alleged victim. After the accusation became known, PSG initially supported the defender. "The club supports the player who has firmly denied the allegations and trusts the judiciary. PSG is an institution that promises respect on and off the pitch."

On Monday evening, Hakimi was a guest at the FIFA World Football Association gala, where Lionel Messi was honored as world footballer. He returned to PSG team training on Friday and is expected to play again next week. The team of the former Dortmund player will play next Wednesday in the second leg of the Champions League at FC Bayern Munich.