Achraf Hakimi, a Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco defender, is under criminal investigation after a rape allegation was made against him.
Hakimi denies a 24-year-old woman’s claim that he raped her at his Paris home on February 25.
Hakimi was the victim of “attempted racketeering,” according to the player’s lawyer.
According to the Nanterre prosecutor’s office, Hakimi has been placed under police surveillance and is not permitted to contact the alleged victim.
According to his lawyer, Fanny Colin, Hakimi, 24, “firmly denies all the accusations against him” and welcomes the investigation because “he finally has the possibility to defend himself”.
“The club stands by the player, who has categorically denied the allegations and believes in the justice system,” PSG said in a statement on Thursday.
“Paris St-Germain is a club that promotes respect both on and off the field.”
In a press conference on Friday, PSG manager Christophe Galtier declined to comment on the investigation.
On Wednesday, the Ligue 1 leaders face Bayern Munich in the second leg of the Champions League last-16, with Hakimi expected to play after recovering from a muscle injury.