Mathias Pogba, Paul Pogba’s elder brother, has denied accusations of extortion by Paul Pogba. Recall that the two Pogbas have been enmeshed in a bitter feud, with both sides trading accusations and counter-accusations.
The feud between Mathias Pogba and Paul has continued with another recent development; this time, it is a defense from Mathias Pogba’s end. Mathias Pogba came out to disassociate himself from the accusations of extortion attempt leveled against him by Paul Pogba. He has denied involvement in any attempt to defraud his younger brother Paul Pogba.
Paul Pogba had accused his brother of a long botched attempt to extort him of €13m through some gangsters who have been threatening him for years. Paul reported the incident to the Italian authorities, who commenced an investigation immediately into the case, with Mathias Pogba deemed as the prime suspect in the investigation.
Although Paul had complained to the Italian authorities, the face-off between him and his brother exploded into the public sphere and the media when his brother released a video via his social media handle. In the video, which went viral, Mathias Pogba threatened his brother with ‘great and explosive revelations’ that will ’cause a lot of noise’ when released.
Mathias asserted that after the video, football fans in England, France, and the world as a whole who have accorded Pogba much respect and reverence would question their position on the player; football administrators will decide whether he will be included in the upcoming French World Cup roster or not.
Reacting to the development, Paul Pogba, his agent, mother, and lawyer, released an official statement debunking Mathias’ claims, saying that the video is part of Mathis’ long failed attempt to blackmail him and extort money from him through an organized gang.
Meanwhile, sources close to the Pogba’s family have affirmed that a huge amount of money was demanded from Paul Pogba if he did not want the incriminating messages about him to be disseminated.
Paul also affirmed being dragged by ‘hooded men with assault rifles’ into an apartment in Paris. According to him, the men demanded money for purported protection they had given him for over 13 years since he became a professional player.
Meanwhile, Mathias Pogba has been deemed a prime suspect by the authorities after Paul Pogba reported the case.
Mathias Pogba returned fuming after the authorities commenced the investigation. Mathias accused Paul Pogba of trying to silence him. He released a second video in which he accused Paul Pogba of attempting to cast a spell on fellow French teammates and PSG star, Kylian Mbappe.
Pogba has denied the accusation, although he admitted that he actually consulted a marabout but was for his personal protection not to injure Mbappe.
Meanwhile, Mathias Pogba’s lawyers had issued a statement denying the extortion accusations by Paul Pogba.
“Taking into account how the affair has evolved and the huge media attention surrounding it, Mathias Pogba strongly insists he knows nothing about any extortion attempt against his brother, Paul Pogba,” the statement reads.
“It is clear that the difficulties the Pogba family are experiencing are the result of outside threats which the justice authorities, who are already involved, will evaluate. Mathias Pogba, who wishes above all to calm the situation with his brother, will from now on only speak with the investigating magistrates, should it be necessary.”
Investigations are ongoing with some parties interviewed by the authorities, including Pogba’s mother, Yeo Pogba.
Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappe has chosen to trust his fellow French teammate Paul Pogba as the French national team prepares to defend the 2018 World Cup they won in Russia. There were fears that the crisis may tear the French national team apart in the buildup to the 2022 World Cup. But as things stands, it seems everything is under control.
