The trial of six individuals closely associated with football star Paul Pogba begins this Tuesday, November 26, at the Paris court. Among the defendants is Mathias Pogba, the older brother of the 2018 World Cup winner with the French national team. They are accused of attempting to extort the player in March 2022.
Paul Pogba claims he was held captive in an apartment in the Paris area by armed men who demanded €13 million for alleged protection provided since his career began. The group reportedly included childhood friends and Mathias Pogba, who is said to have played a significant role in the incident.
Investigators were drawn to the case by videos posted by Mathias Pogba on social media, accusing his brother of not fulfilling family obligations.
The trial, expected to last several weeks, highlights deep tensions within the footballer’s inner circle. Currently sidelined due to injury, Paul Pogba watches as his former confidants face charges that could result in sentences of up to 20 years in prison.
In August last year, Pogba tested positive for testosterone, resulting in the maximum punishment from Italy’s anti-doping court. However, CAS judges later reduced his ban, acknowledging a lack of intent and attributing the positive test to a mistakenly taken supplement prescribed by a medical doctor in Florida.
Pogba’s contract with Juventus was set to expire in June 2026.
Pogba was the most expensive footballer in history when he transferred from Juventus to Manchester United for €105 million ($113 million) in 2016.
He was a key player in France’s 2018 World Cup victory and returned to Juventus as a free agent in 2022. However, injuries restricted him to just eight Serie A appearances in his second spell at the club before his ban last year.
“I am looking forward to the next chapter of my career and to stepping out on the pitch with my next club,” Pogba added.
Frances Ibiefo
Follow us on:
