French authorities have reportedly opened an investigation into payments made by Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe to a group of police officers, raising concerns over whether the funds were linked to official World Cup duties or instead for his personal security.
According to the Daily Mail, which cited French publication Le Canard Enchaîné via Sport, the total amount of £156,330 (€180,300) was distributed in June 2023 to five officers who had been tasked with guarding the French national team at the time.
Four of the officers each received £26,011 (€30,000), while a fifth was paid a larger sum of £52,278 (€60,300).
The payments reportedly stem from Mbappe’s commitment to donate his 2022 World Cup prize money to the security staff that had protected the French squad throughout the tournament.
The 25-year-old forward is said to have formalized the pledge in writing and sought legal counsel to ensure the gifts would not be subject to taxation for the officers.
Despite this, investigators are now looking into whether the payments were strictly tied to World Cup duties or served as compensation for private protection services.
One officer in particular has drawn scrutiny, as he was said to have accompanied Mbappe on personal trips to Cameroon and the Vaucluse region in southern France during June 2023.
While Mbappe was in Paris at the time for a European qualifier against Greece, this officer was reportedly present in Vaucluse, a detail that has prompted questions about his role and assignment.
Authorities suspect the officer may have “breached his duty of integrity” by participating in the travel arrangements, which appear to go beyond standard professional conduct.
The officers involved are part of France’s Republican Security Corps (CRS), which had been assigned to protect the national team during that period.
As the probe unfolds, Mbappe has maintained his willingness to cooperate fully, stating he is “ready to answer any questions” regarding the matter.
The inquiry surfaces at a time when Mbappe is also locked in a legal dispute with his former club Paris Saint-Germain.
The French star is reportedly seeking £46 million (€55 million) in unpaid wages and bonuses he believes the club still owes him.
