A French appeals court confirmed on Friday that Achraf Hakimi, the Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco defender, will stand trial on a rape charge.

The ruling by the appeals court removes any remaining legal doubt about whether the case would proceed, setting the stage for a full criminal trial against one of African football's most prominent players.

Hakimi, who is a key figure both for Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1 and for Morocco on the international stage, now faces court proceedings after the confirmation from the French judicial system.

No date for the trial has been confirmed at this stage. The case continues to draw significant attention given Hakimi's high profile in club and international football.