Brother of Paul Pogba on trial in Paris for alleged extortion scheme

Mathias Pogba, the brother of World Cup-winning footballer Paul Pogba, has gone on trial in Paris alongside five other men over allegations of extortion targeting the soccer star. The case, stemming from incidents two years ago, is being heard at the Paris Criminal Court, with proceedings expected to last one week.

Paul Pogba, a former Manchester United and Juventus midfielder, has chosen not to attend the trial. The court is examining charges that Mathias Pogba and his childhood acquaintances attempted to extort €13 million ($13.6 million) from him, alleging that he owed them financial support after achieving international fame.

Mathias Pogba faces charges of attempted extortion and criminal conspiracy, according to the prosecutor’s office. The other five accused, identified only by their first names, are charged with extortion, attempted extortion involving violence, abduction, confinement, and criminal conspiracy.

Prosecutors allege the group used threats and intimidation to coerce the player. Paul Pogba has stated during investigations that he paid €100,000 to the group, which included his brother.

Reports suggest the extortionists sought to discredit Paul Pogba by claiming he hired a witch doctor to cast a spell on fellow French international Kylian Mbappé. Pogba has vehemently denied these allegations.

The controversy gained public attention after Mathias Pogba posted on social media, threatening to reveal “explosive” information about his brother, Mbappé, and Pogba’s agent, Rafaela Pimenta.

Legal Maneuvers

Defense lawyers for Mathias Pogba, Yves Leberquier and Karim Morand-Lahouazi, have reportedly requested that Paul Pogba be summoned to testify, arguing his absence hinders their ability to fully defend their client.

Decline of a Football Star

Once regarded as one of the world’s finest midfielders, Paul Pogba’s career has been overshadowed in recent years by injuries and off-field controversies. His involvement in this high-profile case adds to the turmoil, which has seen him in the headlines more for legal battles than for his footballing achievements.

Mathias Pogba, also a professional footballer who played primarily in lower-tier European leagues, now faces serious criminal charges in a case that has rocked the sporting world.