French Authorities Investigate Payments from Mbappé to Police Officers

French prosecutors have launched an investigation into alleged irregular payments made by football star Kylian Mbappé to five police officers who were part of the security detail for the national team.

The inquiry was triggered following a report from the country’s anti-money laundering agency, which flagged what it described as “unusual financial transactions” involving the officers, the prosecutor’s office confirmed to AFP on Thursday.

“These investigations are inherently complex due to the nature of financial operations,” the prosecutor’s office noted, adding that the goal is to determine whether any criminal wrongdoing occurred.

According to French investigative outlet Le Canard Enchaîné, the payments in question amounted to €180,300 (approximately $209,000) and were allegedly made for unofficial private services.

Responding to the report, representatives of the Real Madrid striker stated that all payments were made in accordance with legal and ethical standards. They stressed that Mbappé has consistently donated his match bonuses from international duty with France.

“After the 2022 World Cup, as with previous tournaments, Kylian chose to distribute his bonuses transparently to charitable causes and team security staff,” the statement said.