In a dramatic turn of events, Mathias Pogba, the brother of World Cup winner Paul Pogba, has been sentenced to three years in prison by a Paris criminal court for his role in a shocking extortion and kidnapping plot. This case, which has captivated both the football world and the public, has revealed the dark side of family ties and betrayal.
Mathias was found guilty of attempting to extort his famous sibling, alongside five accomplices, after Paul Pogba became a global football sensation. The court’s decision on Thursday has sent shockwaves through the sports community, highlighting the complexities of loyalty, greed, and manipulation.
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Mathias Pogba’s Sentence: A Suspended Prison Term
On Thursday, Mathias Pogba received a sentence of three years in prison, two of which are suspended. This verdict follows a prolonged investigation into a criminal conspiracy that targeted his brother, Paul Pogba. The court also ruled that Mathias, who had already been in detention, would serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest, equipped with electronic monitoring. Despite this ruling, Mathias’ defense lawyer, Mbeko Tabula, expressed his client’s shock and dismay at the outcome.
“He is in a state of shock,” Tabula said. “From the outset, he has maintained his innocence. They did not take into account the fact that he has been manipulated, the fact that he has been forced to do things beyond his control.” These words reveal Mathias’ belief that he was coerced into participating in the extortion plot, a claim that has become central to the case’s defense.
The Extortion Plot: A Family Betrayed
The case stems from an alarming incident in March 2022, when Paul Pogba was reportedly held at gunpoint by a group of hooded men. This group included Mathias and several childhood friends, who allegedly demanded €13 million from the international football star. The accused claimed that Paul, now a wealthy and globally recognized athlete, should provide financial support to them for their loyalty and connection to his rise to fame.
Mathias Pogba and five accomplices were accused of extortion, abduction, and confinement, all part of a broader criminal conspiracy aimed at intimidating the Juventus player into complying with their demands. The legal documents released during the trial revealed that Paul Pogba suffered significant financial and emotional losses as a result of this crime, totaling €197,000 in economic damages and €50,000 in moral damages.
Co-Conspirators and Their Fates
Mathias was not the only one to face legal consequences. Among the group of five co-conspirators was Roushdane K, suspected of masterminding the extortion plot. He was sentenced to an eight-year prison term, a sentence significantly harsher than the others involved. The remaining defendants were also handed prison terms, though these were generally shorter than Roushdane K’s. In addition to their sentences, all the defendants, excluding Mathias, were ordered to jointly compensate Paul Pogba for the financial and emotional damages he endured during the ordeal.
Paul Pogba’s Payments to the Group
As the investigation unfolded, it was revealed that Paul Pogba had already made payments to the extortion group, including a sum of €100,000. This revelation underscored the severity of the situation, as it highlighted that Paul was attempting to resolve the matter without public knowledge. Despite this, the blackmailers continued their demands, leading to the legal actions that eventually brought the plot to light.
Mathias Pogba’s Social Media Threats
The scandal gained further public attention when Mathias Pogba took to social media in an attempt to reveal “explosive” details about his brother. In a series of threatening posts, Mathias claimed he would expose embarrassing secrets about Paul, as well as high-profile figures such as French footballer Kylian Mbappé and Paul’s agent, Rafaela Pimenta. These posts were part of the broader strategy to pressure Paul, but instead, they led to Mathias being investigated and ultimately standing trial for his role in the extortion plot.
The Fall of a Footballer: Paul Pogba’s Career in Jeopardy
The case involving Mathias Pogba and his accomplices is not the only controversy affecting Paul’s career. Earlier this year, Juventus announced a mutual agreement to terminate Paul’s contract, despite his ban for a failed drug test being reduced. This decision came after ongoing legal and performance issues, and with the contract cancellation, Paul will be free to resume his football career in March.
Paul Pogba, once regarded as one of the finest midfielders in the world, now faces an uncertain future both on and off the field. The scandal involving his brother is just one chapter in the ongoing challenges that have marred his professional journey.
A Family Torn Apart by Greed
The trial and sentencing of Mathias Pogba have left the football world in disbelief, as a family once united by blood has been torn apart by betrayal and greed. This case serves as a stark reminder of how ambition, manipulation, and financial pressures can lead to shocking outcomes, even within the closest of relationships. As Mathias prepares to appeal the court’s decision, the story of the Pogba brothers will likely continue to unfold, leaving both Paul and Mathias to deal with the repercussions of their actions for years to come.
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FAQs
What was Mathias Pogba sentenced for?
Mathias Pogba was sentenced to three years in prison, with two years suspended, for his involvement in an extortion and kidnapping plot targeting his brother, Paul Pogba.
How did Paul Pogba become a victim of extortion?
In March 2022, Paul Pogba was held at gunpoint by a group of men, including his brother Mathias, who demanded €13 million, claiming Paul should support them financially due to his success.
What were the consequences for the other defendants involved?
Roushdane K, the suspected mastermind, received an eight-year prison sentence, while the remaining accomplices were also sentenced to prison and ordered to pay compensation to Paul Pogba for financial and emotional damages.
Did Paul Pogba make any payments to the extortion group?
Yes, Paul Pogba paid €100,000 to the extortion group, including his brother Mathias, in an attempt to resolve the situation before it escalated.
What is the current status of Paul Pogba’s football career?
Juventus mutually agreed to cancel Paul Pogba’s contract, but despite a reduced drug ban, he will be free to resume his career in March 2024.
