- Paul’s brother Mathias released a video saying he has damning information
- The Juventus star says it is an extortion scheme led by his brother
- Police have launched investigation into the extortion claims
Controversy just seems to be walking side by side with Juventus star Paul Pogba, as he is now involved in what is seen as one of the biggest sibling rivalries of recent past.
What appeared to be a close knit Pogba family unit now threatens to disintegrate after Mathias, Paul’s brother, released a vide over the weekend threatening to reveal sensitive information about the former Manchester United midfielder as well as his agent rafaela Pimenta.
Pimenta took over as Pogba’s agent after the passing on of his former middleman Mino Raiola.
He published the vide on Instagram un four languages.
In the video, Mathias Pogba says: “The whole world, as well as my brother’s fans, and even more so the French team and Juventus, my brother’s team-mates and his sponsors deserve to know certain things. All this is likely to be explosive.”
A statement released on Sunday, and signed by Paul Pogba’s lawyers, his mother Yeo Moriba and agent Pimenta, said that the videos published on Saturday night “are unfortunately no surprise”.
“They are in addition to threats and extortion attempts by an organised gang against Paul Pogba. competent bodies in Italy and France were informed a month ago,” the statement said.
Pogba threatened by childhood friends
According to France Info radio, Pogba told investigators he had been threatened by childhood friends and two hooded men armed with assault rifles. According to the French media outlet, they are demanding 13 million euros (Sh1.6bn) from him for “services provided”.
His statement, according to France Info Radio, further states that a person close to him had withdrawn 200,000 euros (Sh24mn) using his credit card.
Pogba allegedly also told investigators that he had been threatened on several occasions in Manchester, during his time playing for Manchester United, and in Turin, where he currently plays for Juventus but has been sidelined with injury.
One of the accusations brought forward that is lijely to have a huge implication is the allegation that Pogba sought the services of a witchdoctor to derail France teammate Kylian Mbappe’s career.
In a series of tweets published on Sunday, Mathias Pogba appeals directly to Mbappe, saying:
“Kylian, do you understand now? I have nothing against you, what I am saying is for your good, everything is true and known, the witch doctor is known! Sorry for this brother, a so-called Muslim up to his neck in witchcraft.”
This is the second high profile case involving teammates in France, following that between Karim Benzema and Mathew Valbuena that saw the pair exiled from the national team. Benzema just recently returned to the team due to his scoring form.
Who is Mathias Pogba?
The Pogba family celebrate together after France won the World Cup
Mathias, 32, is the elder brother of Paul and the twin brother of Florentin. All three are professional footballers.
Mathias, who was born in Conakry, the capital of Guinea amnd has played for the Guinean national team. Clubwise, he has had a journeyman career which has taken him to Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Slovenia.
Much of his career has been spent in the United Kingdom, including spells at Wrexham, Crewe Alexandra and Partick Thistle.
Until recently, the Pogba brothers appeared close-knit. Mathias, Florentin and their mother, Yeo Moriba, have regularly been seen attending France matches in which Paul has played.
Paul Pogba is also one of the main donors to 48 H POUR, a charity established by Mathias to help provide drinking water and education for children in Guinea.
The case mirrors that of former Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor who accused his mother and some family members of practicing black magic on him.
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