Six men, including Paul Pogba’s brother Mathias, were sentenced for extorting the footballer in a case involving demands of €13 million. Mathias received a three-year sentence with two years suspended. The court found all defendants guilty of serious charges, with sentences ranging from three to eight years. Appeals from the defense are expected as they challenge the ruling.
On Thursday, a Paris court sentenced six men, including Mathias Pogba, the brother of French football star Paul Pogba, to prison for extortion. Mathias received a three-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, allowing him to serve his time with an electronic bracelet. He has been fined €20,000 for attempting to extort €13 million from Paul Pogba, pressuring him and his family for payment.
The case raised significant concerns within the French football community as it involved childhood friends of Paul Pogba along with his brother. The court found guilty six defendants of various charges, including extortion and criminal association. Sentences varied from three to eight years, with fines ranging from €20,000 to €40,000.
Roushdane K., identified as the instigator of the plot, received the harshest penalty of eight years. Other sentenced individuals include Boubacar C. (four years, two suspended) and Machikour K. (four years, three suspended). Mamadou M. and Adama C. each received five-year sentences, with varying terms of parole.
Lawyer Mbeko Tabula representing Mathias Pogba criticized the court’s decision as “extremely harsh” and announced plans to appeal. Mathias is reportedly in shock over the sentence, asserting he was manipulated into participating in the extortion scheme and would never act against his brother.
Mathias initially went public with the allegations via social media, claiming he had explosive information about Paul Pogba. The football star later revealed during investigations that he was deceived by friends from their shared childhood neighborhood, being held at gunpoint by assailants who demanded €13 million while blaming him for not providing financial assistance. Pogba disclosed he had only paid them €100,000 prior to this incident.
The sentencing of Mathias Pogba and five other defendants in the extortion case against Paul Pogba highlights severe issues of betrayal and criminal behavior involving close relationships. The case has shocked the sports community and raised concerns about the safety and trust within professional sports environments. Further legal proceedings are expected as appeals are anticipated following harsh sentences.
Original Source: www.france24.com
