Paul Pogba’s brother Mathias sentenced to one year in prison for extortion plot
The court found him guilty of attempting to extort €13 million from his brother, Paul, and using coercion and pressure on the player, his family, and business associates.
A Paris court has sentenced Mathias Pogba, the elder brother of France footballer Paul Pogba, to three years in prison, with two years suspended, after he was convicted in a high-profile extortion case.
The court found him guilty of attempting to extort €13 million from his brother, Paul, and using coercion and pressure on the player, his family, and business associates.
Mathias Pogba will serve a one-year sentence under house arrest, wearing an electronic bracelet, rather than being incarcerated. In addition to the prison term, he has been fined €20,000 for his involvement in the scheme, which shocked the French football world.
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Mathias' lawyer, Mbeko Tabula, described the ruling as "extremely harsh" and revealed plans to appeal the verdict.
"He's obviously in a state of shock," said Tabula. "From the outset, he has maintained his innocence, saying that he was manipulated, coerced, and pressured. He would never have acted negatively towards his brother."
The case adds to the turmoil surrounding Paul Pogba, whose career has faced significant challenges since his starring role in France's 2018 World Cup win. The 31-year-old has struggled with injuries, inconsistent form, and, more recently, a doping suspension.
He is set to return to playing in March 2025, following a reduction of his ban to 18 months on appeal, but Juventus recently terminated his contract.
The extortion plot, which also involved five other individuals, has rocked the French football community. These men, including three of Pogba's childhood friends, were convicted of extortion, detention, and criminal gang participation.
They received prison sentences ranging from 20,000 to 40,000 euros in fines and up to eight years in jail.
Mathias Pogba had gained public attention by releasing a video in August 2022, where he made explosive claims about his brother, including accusations that Paul had allegedly cast an evil spell on Kylian Mbappé through a witch doctor. In a later video, he demanded his brother pay for "services rendered."
Paul Pogba told investigators that he had been deceived by childhood friends and held at gunpoint by two men, who demanded €13 million.
He also claimed he had only paid them €100,000.
