PSG’s Hakimi Faces Suspension After Second Red Card Amid Off-Field Troubles

Sent off against Ajaccio (5-0) on Saturday, May 13 for violent behavior, Achraf Hakimi could face at least two game suspensions, while PSG only have three league games left to play. This is the Moroccan’s second red card in three outings, after the one he received against Lorient (1-3) two weeks ago, recalls Le Parisien. "That’s France," Hakimi had declared at the end of the match. An ambiguous statement that shows the state of mind of the Parisian right-back on the pitch. A mix of frustration and nervousness.

Since his return from Qatar, Hakimi has been going through a bad patch. Injured in the hamstrings, the Moroccan right-back has missed several games and is struggling to regain his best form. His performances remain far from the expectations of the Parisian club, which spent 60 million euros to recruit him in 2021. In 15 games, the 24-year-old player has rather poor statistics: 2 goals and 2 assists.

For those close to him, Hakimi is doing well "physically" and his "commitment" has not waned, despite the disappointing collective performances of PSG. The reasons for this drop in form could be found in the upheavals that have occurred in his private life in recent months. The Moroccan defender was indicted for rape on March 3 by the Nanterre (Hauts-de-Seine) prosecutor’s office, and his wife, Spanish actress Hiba Abouk, announced shortly afterwards that she had initiated divorce proceedings.

Regarding the rape, Achraf Hakimi claims his "innocence", specifies the entourage of the Moroccan, assuring of his "serenity" and his confidence in justice to shed light on this case. His defense argues that the accusations "are false", denouncing "an attempted extortion". According to his relatives, the player is "doing well" and remains focused on his goal: to be French champion with Paris. Hakimi, however, acknowledges that he has not shone this season with PSG, especially after the World Cup in Qatar, assuring of his professionalism.