In a dramatic turn of events, Mathias Pogba, the elder brother of French football star Paul Pogba, has been sentenced to three years in prison for his role in a £11m ($14m) blackmail scheme against his brother. The verdict was handed down by a Paris court, which also imposed a two-year suspended sentence, with Mathias required to serve one year under an electronic bracelet.
The extortion plot, which was uncovered in late 2022, involved a group of childhood friends, including Mathias, who demanded money from Paul for “protection services” spanning 13 years. The group repeatedly intimidated and coerced Paul, claiming he had abandoned them after achieving fame.
Paul Pogba had previously spoken out about the pressure he faced from his brother and others, even contemplating retirement amid the extortion. The verdict offers a sense of closure for Paul, who is set to return to football in March 2025 after a reduced 18-month doping ban.
The case has been a high-profile one, with Mathias Pogba making headlines in August 2022 for releasing a video in which he made explosive claims about his brother, including accusations that Paul had allegedly cast an evil spell on Kylian Mbappé through a witch doctor.
Mathias' lawyer, Mbeko Tabula, has described the ruling as "extremely harsh" and revealed plans to appeal the verdict. Mathias will serve his one-year sentence under electronic monitoring rather than behind bars.
The extortion scheme was a complex web of deceit and intimidation, with Mathias and his accomplices using various tactics to extract money from Paul. The scheme was eventually uncovered, and Mathias was arrested and charged with extortion.
The verdict serves as a reminder of the darker side of football, where players can be vulnerable to exploitation and extortion. It also highlights the importance of protecting players from such schemes and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.
In conclusion, the sentencing of Mathias Pogba to three years in prison for blackmailing his brother Paul is a significant development in a case that has captivated the football world. The verdict offers a sense of closure for Paul, who can now focus on his return to football in March 2025.
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