A shocking turn of events has unfolded in the world of soccer as Mathias Pogba, the brother of World Cup champion Paul Pogba, has been handed a three-year prison sentence—two of which are suspended—by a Paris criminal court. This ruling comes amid a whirlwind of allegations including extortion and kidnapping that have rocked the Pogba family.
Mathias Pogba’s Legal Troubles
Mathias Pogba, once a name on the soccer field, now finds himself grappling with serious legal issues. This week, a judge sentenced him to three years in prison, with the final year serving under house arrest, complete with electronic monitoring.
Mathias’ lawyer, Mbeko Tabula, asserted his client is in a “state of shock,” emphasizing that Mathias has repeatedly claimed his innocence throughout the process. With plans to appeal, Tabula pointed out that key factors—including Mathias being manipulated and coerced—were overlooked in the courtroom.
The case revolves around an investigation into a plot where Mathias and four childhood friends allegedly attempted to extract a staggering 13 million euros (around $13.6 million) from Paul Pogba. This came after Paul was reportedly held at gunpoint by masked men in March 2022. The intimidation tactics were aimed at pressuring the soccer star to support his brother and accomplices financially.
During this intense legal saga, Paul suffered estimated economic damages of 197,000 euros (roughly $204,000) and additional moral damages summing to 50,000 euros ($52,000), compelling the court to hold the majority of the defendants accountable for these losses.
Paul Pogba’s Struggles on and off the Pitch
The troubles don’t end with Mathias. Paul Pogba, once regarded as one of the elite midfielders globally, has seen his career overshadowed by a series of controversies. Recently, Juventus officially terminated his contract, marking another significant chapter in a tumultuous period for the World Cup champion.
Despite having his doping ban slashed from four years to 18 months, Paul’s return to the pitch remains uncertain. His positive test for testosterone last August has marred his reputation, but recent developments have provided a glimmer of hope for a comeback in March.
As the dust settles, Paul reflects on lost opportunities; he tested positive due to a supplement mishap endorsed by a medical practitioner in Florida. Once the most expensive player in the world at a staggering fee of 105 million euros (around $116 million) in 2016, his reputation now faces significant hurdles.
With only eight appearances in his second spell at Juventus before his ban, Paul Pogba’s journey remains clouded by legal battles and doping scandals, making it evident that the road ahead will be difficult for the Pogba brothers, both on and off the field.