In a significant development, Swedish prosecutors have closed the rape investigation that had been reportedly tied to French football star Kylian Mbappé. The inquiry, which gained widespread attention, was initiated after the player’s visit to Stockholm in October. However, after a thorough investigation, authorities have determined that there is insufficient evidence to pursue the case further. This decision has brought an end to months of media speculation and legal uncertainty surrounding the matter.
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Investigation Dropped Due to Lack of Evidence
On Thursday, Swedish authorities confirmed the closure of the rape investigation. Marina Chirakova, the lead investigator, stated that despite an initial suspicion of rape and two counts of sexual assault, the evidence did not meet the threshold necessary to continue with legal proceedings.
“During the course of the investigation, there has been a designated person suspected on reasonable grounds of rape and two cases of sexual assault, but my assessment is that the evidence is not sufficient to proceed and the investigation is therefore closed,” said Chirakova. She further clarified that the individual in question had not been formally notified of any criminal charges.
The investigation, which began shortly after Mbappé’s visit to Sweden in October, focused on an alleged incident that took place in a Stockholm hotel. While Swedish authorities refrained from publicly naming any individual, numerous media outlets speculated that Mbappé, the renowned Real Madrid forward, was the subject of the inquiry.
Media Reports and Denial from Mbappé’s Camp
As soon as the news broke, Swedish media linked the investigation to Mbappé, sparking outrage and confusion. However, the 25-year-old footballer and his legal representatives were quick to deny any involvement in the case. Mbappé’s lawyer, Marie-Alix Canu-Bernard, along with the player’s management, dismissed the claims as false, calling them baseless.
On the French TV station Canal Plus, Mbappé spoke about the investigation during an interview that aired the previous Sunday. He admitted his surprise at the media frenzy surrounding the allegations, stating that he had not been contacted by Swedish authorities at any point during the investigation.
“These are things that come into your life like that, you can’t see them coming,” Mbappé shared. “It’s just incomprehension. I don’t think it weighed on me, in the sense that I have never considered myself involved.”
The French international further emphasized that he had never been officially approached by Swedish law enforcement, reinforcing his earlier claim that the reports were misleading and without merit.
The Visit to Stockholm and the Allegations
Kylian Mbappé’s trip to Stockholm in October had initially been planned as a recovery period from a thigh injury. The Paris Saint-Germain star had decided to remain in Sweden during the international break to rehabilitate rather than joining the French national team for their Nations League campaign. However, shortly after the visit, media outlets began reporting that a rape investigation had been launched, with speculation quickly rising about the identity of the suspect.
In response to the allegations, Mbappé’s camp was swift to refute any involvement. A statement issued by the player’s representatives condemned the claims as “completely false and irresponsible,” adding that the spreading of such rumors was “unacceptable.”
The Swedish prosecutors had initially confirmed the investigation but refused to provide further details at the time, saying, “There is nothing else that the prosecutor can confirm nor deny.” This left the media and the public to speculate on the nature of the inquiry, with some even questioning the potential impact on Mbappé’s career.
Legal Outcome and the Future of the Investigation
With the investigation now officially closed, it is clear that Swedish prosecutors found no evidence sufficient to press charges against the individual under investigation. The closure of the case marks the end of what had been a tense period for Mbappé, who continues to face the challenges of his professional career while dealing with personal matters.
While Mbappé’s legal team has not yet commented further on the closure, the player himself has expressed his disbelief at the entire episode. The episode serves as a reminder of the power of media in shaping public perceptions, as well as the delicate balance between privacy and the responsibility of journalists to report accurately.
Impact on Mbappé’s Career
Despite the legal closure of the case, Mbappé’s career has not been without its challenges in recent weeks. Just as the investigation unfolded, the player suffered a new thigh injury, which has sidelined him from upcoming fixtures. On Thursday, Real Madrid confirmed that the injury was to his left thigh and that Mbappé was a doubt for next week’s Intercontinental Cup final.
Mbappé had been substituted in the first half of Real Madrid’s recent Champions League match against Atalanta after scoring an early goal. The injury, combined with the legal situation, has cast a shadow over an otherwise promising season. He is expected to miss the league match against Rayo Vallecano and faces a race against time to recover for the Intercontinental Cup final in Qatar, where Madrid will compete against either Pachuca from Mexico or Egypt’s Al Ahly.
The closure of the rape investigation in Sweden marks the end of a chapter in the public saga surrounding Kylian Mbappé. While the allegations proved to be unfounded, the incident has highlighted the pressures that high-profile athletes face when thrust into the media spotlight. Moving forward, Mbappé will likely focus on recovering from his injury and preparing for the upcoming football challenges, including the crucial final matches with Real Madrid.
Read More: Real Madrid Face Another Injury Setback as The Club Confirm Kylian Mbappé Suffers Thigh Injury
FAQs
Why was a rape investigation opened in Sweden involving Kylian Mbappé?
The investigation was launched after an alleged incident at a hotel during Mbappé’s visit to Stockholm in October, where he had traveled to recover from a thigh injury.
Why did Swedish prosecutors drop the case?
Prosecutors closed the investigation due to insufficient evidence to proceed with the case. Lead investigator Marina Chirakova confirmed there was not enough evidence to continue.
Did Kylian Mbappé comment on the investigation?
Yes, Mbappé expressed surprise at the reports, calling them “fake news” and stating that he had not been contacted by Swedish authorities.
What was Mbappé’s response to the allegations?
Mbappé’s legal team denied the allegations, labeling them as “completely false and irresponsible,” and they condemned the spread of such rumors.
How is Mbappé’s current injury affecting his career?
Mbappé is sidelined with a thigh injury and is a doubt for Real Madrid’s upcoming Intercontinental Cup final. He also missed the league match against Rayo Vallecano.
