Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News

6 minutes read. Updated 3:23AM GMT Thurs, 12 September, 2024

In a significant legal development, Mathias Pogba, the brother of World Cup-winning footballer Paul Pogba, has been ordered to stand trial alongside five other individuals. The case, stemming from an alleged extortion plot that targeted the renowned midfielder, dates back to two years ago.

The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed Tuesday that Mathias Pogba will face charges of attempted extortion and criminal conspiracy. Although the official court date is yet to be announced, the trial is expected to shed light on a case that has drawn global attention, particularly within the football community.

Allegations of Extortion and Criminal Conspiracy

The five other men, identified by their first names, are accused of attempting to extort €13 million ($14.3 million) from Paul Pogba. It is alleged that the group repeatedly intimidated the player, using violent tactics, including abduction and confinement, to facilitate their demands. According to French legal sources, the charges against them include extortion, attempted extortion by violence, and conspiracy.

During the course of the investigation, Paul Pogba disclosed that he had already paid approximately $70,000 to the extortionists, a sum that included payments to his brother, Mathias. Despite the payment, the alleged threats and demands continued, leading Paul Pogba to file a legal complaint.

Social Media Revelations and Arrest

The case first came to the public’s attention in August 2022 when Mathias Pogba posted a cryptic video on social media, in which he claimed he had “explosive” information about his brother Paul, his agent Rafaela Pimenta, and French football star Kylian Mbappé. This video raised eyebrows globally and set the stage for further investigations.

Shortly after posting the video, Mathias Pogba was detained by authorities, but he was later released. His involvement in the extortion attempt has since remained a point of contention in the media and legal circles.

Mathias, a footballer himself, had a modest career playing for lower-tier clubs in Europe. His relationship with his brother, Paul, who currently plays for Juventus and has had an illustrious career with clubs like Manchester United and the French national team, has often been in the spotlight. The extortion case, however, has cast a shadow over their familial ties and thrust the Pogba family into an unwanted legal battle.

Football Star Turned Victim

Paul Pogba, widely regarded as one of the most talented midfielders of his generation, has faced multiple personal and professional challenges in recent years. From injuries that have kept him off the pitch for extended periods to public disputes with club management, the extortion case adds yet another layer of difficulty to his already tumultuous career.

For football fans and legal analysts alike, the impending trial promises to offer an in-depth view into the darker sides of fame and fortune, where even close family relationships can deteriorate under the pressure of greed and ambition.

As the case progresses, it remains to be seen how this high-profile trial will affect the Pogba brothers’ future, both in football and beyond.

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Mathias Pogba, brother of World Cup winner Paul Pogba, is set to stand trial with five others in an extortion case targeting the famous footballer. The case involves demands of $14.3 million and allegations of criminal conspiracy and violence.