Hakimi, who is the captain of the Moroccan national team, will stand trial on a rape charge that was put to him in 2023 in a case that has dragged on for 3 years.
A woman then aged 24 told police in the Val-De-Marne region southeast of Paris that Hakimi kissed her, touched her without her consent and then raped her.
Speaking to the press for the first time in a Mediapart article, the woman, using the pseudonym Jeanne, said she wanted a trial "to defend myself, to be heard".
"I want to explain myself. I want people to believe me.”
Morocco’s second match of the 2026 World Cup kicks off on Friday against Scotland and Hakimi will no doubt be affected by the ruling which will be playing on his mind not just for the next game, but for the whole tournament.
Hakimi's statement
After the Versailles Court of Appeal delivered its ruling, Hakimi wrote on X that he had been "waiting for this trial since day one."
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 at the expense of my family, my life, and above all, the truth. Sometimes I feel like I've become an easy target.
"I've been waiting for this trial since day one. And now I'm looking forward to it.
"Finally, I will be able to speak."