ROME (AFP) – French police have launched an investigation into claims that World Cup winner Paul Pogba was the victim of a multi-million-euro extortion scheme by a gang involving his brother.Sources close to the case told AFP on Sunday.28).
His claim came after his brother Matthias published a bizarre video online in four languages (French, Italian, English and Spanish) that promised a “great revelation” about the Juventus star.
A statement signed by his attorney, mother Yeo Moriva, and current agent Rafaela Pimenta said the video, released Saturday night, was “unfortunately not surprising.”
“They are in addition to attempts by organized gangs to intimidate and extort Paul Pogba,” the statement read. “The Italian and French competent authorities were notified a month ago and have no further comment on the ongoing investigation.”
Matthias Pogba, 32, has promised a “great revelation about (his) brother Paul Pogba and his agent Rafaela Pimenta” after taking over the company of former agent Mino Raiola, who died in April.
“Not only my brother’s fans but the whole world, but also the French team and Juventus, my brother’s teammates and his sponsors deserve to know certain things,” he said.
Matthias Pogba, who is also a professional footballer, said his brother “needs to know what he knows to judge whether he deserves a place in the French team and the honor of playing in the World Cup.” said. .
“This is all likely going to be explosive,” he concluded, without adding any substance to his “revelation.”
Two sources close to the Pogba family contacted by AFP said they were being asked to pay large sums of money if they wanted to avoid the circulation of the video of Pogba’s alleged harm.
France Info reported that Paul Pogba told investigators he was threatened by “a childhood friend and two hooded men armed with assault rifles”.
They demand €13 million (S$18 million) from him for “services rendered”.
A source close to the matter confirmed a report by France Info to AFP.
Kylian Mbappe was also mentioned in the incident.
Pogba explained to investigators that the blackmailer wanted to discredit him by claiming that he had asked a marabou (a holy man) to cast a spell on the Paris Saint-Germain and French stars, but Pogba denied it. denied the
Late on Sunday, Matthias Pogba reacted to the day’s developments.
“Paul, you really wanted to shut me up and lie and send me to jail,” Mathias wrote. When all is said and done, people will understand that there is no greater coward, greater traitor, greater hypocrite than you on this earth.
Pogba, who won the World Cup with France in 2018, returned to Juventus on a free transfer this summer after spending six years at Manchester United, but is currently out with a knee injury.
The 29-year-old is due to return to action next month.
