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| Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images |
According to Mundo Deportivo, Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has found himself indirectly involved in a legal issue stemming from the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The matter, however, does not appear to be his fault.
Almost three years after scoring a historic hat-trick in the World Cup final against Argentina, Mbappe is now at the centre of an investigation in France.
The issue? A generous gesture he made to members of the French police force who were part of the team’s security during the tournament has sparked a probe by French tax authorities.
Police under investigation
As reported by the outlet, five police officers are under investigation for receiving part of Mbappe’s World Cup bonus.
The payments were meant as a personal thank-you from the star striker. In principle, this type of gesture is not unusual, especially considering the role the police played in ensuring the French squad’s safety in Qatar.
According to the report, four officers each received a cheque for €30,000, while a fifth, believed to be their superior, received a cheque for €60,300. In total, Mbappe handed over €180,300 of his World Cup earnings in this donation.
The problem arose when the police officers declared the money to the French Treasury. Authorities are now investigating whether the funds were properly reported and if the correct procedures were followed for such sizeable gifts.
Mbappe himself has a signed statement on record confirming that he voluntarily decided to donate this money, not only to these officers but also to various associations.
This document could help clear his name of any legal responsibility. Nevertheless, French prosecutors are continuing their investigation to ensure all financial and legal aspects of the transactions were above board.
At this point, it appears that Mbappe is simply caught in the crossfire of a case focusing on the police officers involved, rather than being accused of any wrongdoing himself.
- Swapnil
