November 24, (THEWILL) – Six individuals, including the brother of international footballer Paul Pogba, will stand trial from Tuesday in Paris on charges of attempted extortion, blackmail, and holding the midfielder at gunpoint.
The group stands accused of attempting to extract €13 million from the former Juventus player, in what prosecutors describe as a coordinated criminal operation.
The proceedings come during a challenging period for Paul Pogba following the termination of his contract with Juventus this month.
The Italian club ended their agreement with the 31-year-old midfielder after his suspension until March 2025 due to doping violations.
The trial of his brother and those others involved represents a significant development in French football, particularly given the involvement of Mathias Pogba and three individuals who were once childhood friends of the footballer.
The case emerged publicly when Mathias Pogba released social media videos in August 2022, making various allegations against his younger brother.
These posts preceded criminal complaints filed by Paul Pogba in both France and Italy, where he detailed being held at gunpoint by masked individuals demanding payment for “services rendered.”
The footballer reported making a €100,000 payment to the group and covering a €57,000 bill at an Adidas store in Paris.
Documentation reviewed by AFP indicates the accused formed “a criminal team” targeting Paul Pogba after he discontinued financial support to them in early 2022.
The defendants, who face charges including extortion, kidnapping, and participation in a criminal organisation, maintain their innocence. They claim to have been victims themselves of the unidentified armed individuals involved in the incident.
Mathias Pogba, though not present during the alleged gunpoint confrontation, faces charges of attempted extortion and criminal conspiracy.
Speaking in September 2023, Paul Pogba addressed the complex nature of his relationships with the accused, stating they would “always have a place in my heart… they were like my family.” The trial brings attention to the challenges professional athletes face in maintaining relationships from their pre-fame lives.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
