Professional footballers are frequent targets for blackmailers, according to Paul Pogba’s agent, with the France star embroiled in an alleged extortion plot.
In August, Pogba’s elder brother Mathias posted a bizarre video online promising “great revelations” about the Juventus midfielder, who, according to sources, is being pursued by a criminal gang.
Rafaela Pimenta, the heir to deceased superagent Mino Raiola’s empire, told Italian daily Tuttosport that players are frequently targeted by people looking to extort money from extremely wealthy athletes.
“Being extorted or living under threat is not an uncommon problem for footballers.” “They’re threatened because they’re so exposed,” Pimenta said in an interview published on Monday.
“I’ve witnessed it all, particularly blackmail. The players are afraid to bring these issues to light because they are concerned about their image or are embarrassed. They remain silent and live under extreme stress.”
According to sources close to the Pogba family, money is being demanded from Paul Pogba if he wants to avoid the distribution of allegedly compromising videos.
Mathias Pogba, 32, was charged last month alongside four other people, all close to the World Cup winner, who filed a complaint with Turin prosecutors in July alleging blackmail for 13 million euros ($12.6 million).
According to Paul Pogba, his blackmailers wanted to damage his reputation by making the false accusation that he asked a marabout (holy man) to cast a spell on Kylian Mbappe, a player for Paris Saint-Germain and the France national team, which Pogba rejects.
“Paul’s position improved and he realized there is a solution when he finally asked for help,” continued Pimenta.
“The legal team is in charge of everything. Paul has taken all the necessary action.”
On the pitch, Pogba’s chances of representing France at the World Cup in Qatar next month are in jeopardy due to a knee injury. This month, he underwent surgery that was deemed to be “successful.”
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