Former Nigeria international Garba Lawal has described the rape allegations hanging over Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi and Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey as an unwanted distraction during the FIFA World Cup, while urging caution until the legal process has run its course.
Hakimi is set to face trial in France over allegations that he raped a woman at his home in Paris in 2023. The Paris Saint-Germain defender has consistently denied the accusations. French prosecutors opened a preliminary investigation in March 2023, while an investigating judge ordered a trial in February 2026. Reports in French media indicate that Hakimi recently failed in an appeal to have the case dismissed.
The 27-year-old, who captained Morocco in Friday’s World Cup clash against Scotland, has maintained his innocence throughout the process.
“I just can’t understand why it is coming up at this stage and it could be a distraction to him,” Lawal said. “If someone is playing in the World Cup, leave him alone until after the tournament, you can bring it up. Nobody knows the full truth of the story, but he has a chance to clear his name, so let’s wait and see what really happened.”
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The former Super Eagles midfielder stressed that the allegations themselves were serious and should not be dismissed.
“I hope the allegation is not true anyway, because if it is, it’s disgusting,” he added. “It’s always ‘rape, rape, rape’ — I don’t understand why footballers are constantly facing these allegations.”
Lawal believes the uncertainty surrounding both cases inevitably affects the players involved and can also have consequences for their national teams.
“The player should be focused on representing his country. Let him play the tournament and see how it pans out. But I just can’t understand the timing,” he said.
Thomas Partey is also facing rape charges and missed the Black Stars’ opening World Cup match against Panama after reportedly being unable to enter Canada
“Of course, it’s a distraction to any team, but the team should cope without Partey. They once had players like Abedi Pele and Michael Essien, and they coped without them after retirement.”
“However, this situation is different because this player is currently part of the squad. If he wasn’t involved, it would be another matter. Right now, it’s World Cup time. Looking at the whole situation, the allegations are very troubling.”
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With Ghana facing the prospect of continuing the tournament without one of their most experienced players, Lawal said the responsibility now falls on the rest of the squad.
“It’s a difficult situation because the plans have already been made around the team,” he said. “Now it depends on the players to come together, step up, and perform in his absence if necessary.”
Lawal also urged African footballers to maintain discipline away from the pitch, arguing that professional conduct is vital in protecting both careers and reputations.
“It’s very sad. I don’t know why African players so often find themselves in these kinds of situations,” he said. “You must be disciplined both on and off the field. Discipline is everything. Don’t give anyone an inch, because if you do, people can take a mile.
“If you live a disciplined life, then even when allegations arise, people will be more likely to defend your character. But it seems to happen to African players again and again, and I don’t understand why.”
Lawal pointed to the case of former Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy as an example of how legal battles can leave lasting damage regardless of the eventual outcome.
“Look at Benjamin Mendy,” he said. “In the end, it was said that mistakes had been made, but by then his career had already been damaged. Manchester City had moved on, and things were never the same.
“He was a fantastic player, and look at how his career ended. Even if you compensate someone afterward, the damage has already been done,” he said.
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Morocco and Ghana have started their World Cup campaigns on a positive note. The Atlas Lions have four points from two matches while the Blacks defeated Panama in their only game so far.
