PARIS: Mathias Pogba denies any involvement in extortion denounced by his brother Paul, a World Cup-winning footballer and who are the subject of an investigation, his lawyer said on Friday.
Mathias’ denial in a press release issued by his lawyer, Richard Arbibcomes after he posted a bizarre video online on August 27 — in four languages (French, Italian, English and Spanish) — promising “big reveals” about the Juventus star.
Paul Pogba says he is the victim of a multimillion-euro blackmail plot by mobsters involving his brother.
According to two sources close to the Pogba family contacted by AFP, large sums of money are claimed from Paul Pogba if he wants to avoid the dissemination of allegedly compromising videos.
Mathias, however, is adamant he is an innocent part.
“Given the evolution of the case and the enormous media attention surrounding it, Mathias Pogba firmly insists that he knows nothing of a possible extortion attempt against his brother, Paul Pogba. “, we read in the press release.
“It is clear that the difficulties the Pogba family is experiencing are the result of external threats which the judicial authorities, already involved, will assess.
“Mathias Pogba, who above all wishes to calm the situation with his brother, will now only talk to the investigating judges, if necessary.”
Two investigating judges have been appointed to lead the investigation, it was announced last week.
Based on the findings of a preliminary investigation launched last month, they will examine allegations – so far against unknown individuals – including blackmail by an armed gang, kidnapping and membership in a criminal association.
Paul Pogba told investigators his blackmailers wanted to discredit him by claiming he had asked a marabout (holy man) to put a spell on the Paris Saint-Germain and France star. Kylian Mbappewhich Pogba denies.
The investigation is being carried out jointly by the anti-gang and central criminal units of the French police.
Several people, including Pogba’s mother, have already been heard by the police, a judicial source said.
Mathias’ denial in a press release issued by his lawyer, Richard Arbibcomes after he posted a bizarre video online on August 27 — in four languages (French, Italian, English and Spanish) — promising “big reveals” about the Juventus star.
Paul Pogba says he is the victim of a multimillion-euro blackmail plot by mobsters involving his brother.
According to two sources close to the Pogba family contacted by AFP, large sums of money are claimed from Paul Pogba if he wants to avoid the dissemination of allegedly compromising videos.
Mathias, however, is adamant he is an innocent part.
“Given the evolution of the case and the enormous media attention surrounding it, Mathias Pogba firmly insists that he knows nothing of a possible extortion attempt against his brother, Paul Pogba. “, we read in the press release.
“It is clear that the difficulties the Pogba family is experiencing are the result of external threats which the judicial authorities, already involved, will assess.
“Mathias Pogba, who above all wishes to calm the situation with his brother, will now only talk to the investigating judges, if necessary.”
Two investigating judges have been appointed to lead the investigation, it was announced last week.
Based on the findings of a preliminary investigation launched last month, they will examine allegations – so far against unknown individuals – including blackmail by an armed gang, kidnapping and membership in a criminal association.
Paul Pogba told investigators his blackmailers wanted to discredit him by claiming he had asked a marabout (holy man) to put a spell on the Paris Saint-Germain and France star. Kylian Mbappewhich Pogba denies.
The investigation is being carried out jointly by the anti-gang and central criminal units of the French police.
Several people, including Pogba’s mother, have already been heard by the police, a judicial source said.