High-profile scandal. France national team staffer under investigation over payment to Mbappé

Mohamed Sanhadji, head of logistics and security for the France national team, is under investigation for corruption, influence peddling, embezzlement of public funds and fraud. L’Équipe reports this, citing the Paris prosecutor’s office.

The investigation concerns a payment made to a former police officer by Kylian Mbappé after the 2022 World Cup. In June 2023, Sanhadji received a €60,300 cheque from the forward, corresponding to Mbappé’s bonus for his participation in the tournament in Qatar. However, the staff member did not inform his superiors that he had received the money.

French financial intelligence unit Tracfin learned of the payment in July 2024. An investigation was subsequently launched, with formal judicial proceedings beginning in January 2026.

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As part of the judicial supervision measures, Sanhadji is prohibited from contacting current and former France players, the coaching staff, executives and employees of the French Football Federation, as well as a number of police representatives.

Sanhadji was responsible for the national team’s security from 2004 until December 2025. After leaving his position ahead of schedule, he was appointed by the FFF to oversee the team’s logistics and security at the 2026 World Cup.