Achraf Hakimi, a defender for Paris Saint-Germain who is being investigated for alleged r@pe, has discussed the subject in public and expressed his calmness and confidence that he would be cleared in the end.

The 26-year-old Moroccan international denied any misconduct in an interview with journalist Mouloud Achour for the Canal+ program Clique, a snippet of which was broadcast Wednesday night. Hakimi stated in Spanish, “I am aware that the accusations against me are false.” “I am aware that I have done nothing and that I would never act in such a manner. I feel at ease now and am hopeful that the truth will come to light shortly.

Last month, Hakimi was asked to stand trial by French prosecutors for allegedly raping a 24-year-old woman in February 2023. The woman said that while his then-wife and kids were on vacation, Hakimi invited her to his house in the Paris district of Boulogne-Billancourt, where she had met him on social media. After the encounter, she claimed r@pe at a police station, but she chose not to file a formal report. However, prosecutors continued to press allegations, and in March 2023, Hakimi was indicted.

Since his wife’s divorce, Hakimi has insisted that he is the victim of an extortion attempt. Rachel-Flore Pardo, his accuser’s attorney, denied that claim on Thursday. She told AFP, “There is nothing in the evidence that lends in any way to a characterizing of extortion.” “Mr. Hakimi is attempting to establish a counter-fire that is typical of sexual violence cases.”

The prosecutor’s office in Nanterre affirmed on August 1 that it had formally asked the investigating judge to refer Hakimi’s case to a criminal court.

Hakimi has continued to play for PSG and other teams in spite of the legal dispute.

Barcelona have announced that midfielder Gavi will miss the next four to five months after undergoing a procedure to treat a knee injury.

The 20-year-old returned from an ACL injury less than a year ago, and is now set for another spell on the sidelines due to a knee injury. Gavi was replaced at half time during a LALIGA clash against Levante in August, and has yet to participate since. After the injury, he was replaced in the Spanish national team squad and began treatment.

Barcelona had gone about treating Gavi’s radial injury to the internal meniscus in his right knee through conservative means. However, after undergoing a stress test, it was determined that an arthroscopic procedure would be required. Today, Barcelona announced that the operation we as a success, and Gavi will be sidelined until next year.

“First team player Pablo Páez Gavira ‘Gavi’ has had an arthroscopy to resolve a medial meniscus injury, which was sutured to preserve the meniscus. Recovery time is estimated at around 4-5 months.”

Meanwhile, Barcelona’s president, Joan Laporta, provided some insights into  Lamine Yamal’s injury return date during a pre-award interview at the Ballon d’Or.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has praised Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and head coach Justine Madugu following their impressive recognition at the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris on Monday night.

Among the best in the world, Nnadozie excels.
The Brighton & Hove Albion player Nnadozie placed fourth in the Women’s Yachine Trophy for best goalkeeper.

The 24-year-old, who has been crowned Africa’s Best Goalkeeper for the last two years, has solidified her status as the continent’s best goalkeeper.

She gained international prominence for her outstanding performances at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), when she was named Goalkeeper of the Tournament as Nigeria won a record-breaking 10th continental title.

What was stated by NFF
Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, General Secretary of the NFF, praised her accomplishment.

“We congratulate Chiamaka Nnadozie on her fourth-place finish,” he stated. Considering the quality of goalkeepers she faced, that is an impressive accomplishment. Fourth place is a significant accomplishment, and we think she will soon take home this prize.

Nnadozie finished behind winner Hannah Hampton (Chelsea and England), Ann-Katrin Berger (Gotham FC), and Barcelona’s Cata Coll, but placed above Arsenal’s Daphne van Domselaar.

Madugu earns global recognition

Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu also claimed fourth place in the Women’s Coach of the Year category.

His recognition follows Nigeria’s dramatic 3-2 victory over hosts Morocco in the WAFCON final, which secured the Falcons’ 10th title.

Dr. Sanusi also commended the coach’s achievement: “Coach Madugu’s feat further underscores the fact that the NFF was right to have given him the Super Falcons’ head coach’s role. This recognition validates his leadership and we wish him more success in future awards.”

The category was won by England’s Sarina Wiegman, with Chelsea’s Sonia Bompastor, Brazil’s Arthur Elias, and Arsenal’s Renée Slegers also in contention.