sports
French appeals court confirms trial date for soccer player in rape case
A French appeals court confirmed that a 27-year-old right back will stand trial on rape charges several hours before his national team’s World Cup group-stage match. The player denies the allegations made by a 24-year-old woman in 2023.
New York PostAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
Developing·Limited corroboration so far. This page will refresh as more sources emerge.
A French appeals court confirmed that a 27-year-old right back will stand trial in a rape case several hours before Morocco’s World Cup group-stage match against Scotland. The player had faced preliminary charges in March 2023 after a 24-year-old woman alleged he raped her at his Paris home.
He denies any wrongdoing and had appealed an earlier decision in February; both sides now await a trial date.
Personal life previously in public eye The player’s 2023 divorce from a Spanish-Tunisian actress drew attention after reports claimed he had registered most assets under his mother’s name, limiting access during asset division proceedings. Those reports were later described as inaccurate.
The former couple remain connected years after the divorce. On June 21 the actress posted an Instagram photo showing Colombian musician J Balvin kissing her on the cheek, along with additional images of her in a white dress. The actress has no connection to the rape allegations.
The upcoming trial and the World Cup have returned both individuals to public attention.
