A Paris court has sentenced Mathias Pogba, brother of French footballer Paul Pogba, to three years in prison, with two years suspended, for his involvement in a high-profile extortion case. Mathias, 33, will serve his one-year term under house arrest, monitored by an electronic tag, and has been fined €20,000.
The court found Mathias guilty of attempting to extort €13 million from his younger brother, Paul Pogba, in 2022. It also concluded that he pressured the footballer, his family, and business contacts in a bid to secure the payment.
Mathias Pogba’s lawyer, Mbeko Tabula, called the sentence extremely harsh and confirmed plans to appeal. “From the outset, he has maintained his innocence, saying that he was manipulated, that he was coerced, that he was pressured, that he would never have acted negatively towards his brother,” Tabula said.
The extortion case has shaken the French football world, with six individuals, including Mathias and three of Paul Pogba’s childhood friends, standing trial.
The court ruled that Paul Pogba had suffered economic damages of €197,000 and psychological harm worth €50,000. Roushdane K., identified as the mastermind, received an eight-year prison sentence. Other defendants were convicted of extortion, illegal detention, and involvement in a criminal gang, with sentences ranging up to eight years.
While the court dismissed kidnapping charges, it fined the defendants between €20,000 and €40,000.
Mathias Pogba drew attention to the case in 2022 by posting videos online, accusing Paul of using a witch doctor to cast a spell on teammate Kylian Mbappé.
Paul Pogba told investigators he was ambushed in March 2022 by childhood acquaintances from their Paris suburb. The footballer claimed he was held at gunpoint by two hooded men demanding €13 million for alleged services rendered. Pogba reportedly paid them €100,000.
The trial adds to Paul Pogba’s professional difficulties. After playing a key role in France’s 2018 World Cup win, the 31-year-old struggled with injuries and poor form.
Since leaving Manchester United in 2022, Pogba’s return to Juventus has been marred by a doping suspension and contract termination. While his suspension has been reduced to 18 months, allowing him to play again in March 2025, his career remains uncertain.
