Paul Pogba’s older brother has been sentenced after being convicted of attempting to extort the former Manchester United midfielder.
Mathias Pogba was handed a three-year jail term – two years suspended – and was also fined €20,000 (£16,500).
The 34-year-old will avoid custody, instead spending the remaining year of his sentence wearing an electronic tag.
Paul, 31, is now a free agent after his contract with Serie A side Juventus was terminated.
He spent two spells at both Juve and Manchester United, but last year admitted the extortion attempt made him consider retirement.
Paul told Al Jazeera: “When there is money you have to be careful.
“Money changes people. It can break up a family. It can create a war”.
Paul Pogba’s Brother Among Larger Group Sentenced
Mathias was one of six men sentenced in a Parisian court on Thursday. Others were found guilty of extortion and other crimes, and given sentences ranging from four to eight years.
The charges relate to an incident in 2022, when Paul Pogba says he was “tricked by childhood friends” and held at gunpoint.
They then demanded he pay then €13m (£10.8m). Paul paid them €100,000 (£82,600).
Following the verdict, Mathias Pogba’s lawyer did not believe the sentence was justified.
Mbeko Tabula told RMC Sport that Mathias’ sentence was “extremely harsh.”
“I think we will appeal,” he added.
Sentences awarded to the other five defendants involved were as follows:
- Roushdane K – Eight years
- Boubacar C – Four years (Two suspended)
- Adama C – Five years
- Mamadou M – Five years (12 months suspended)
- Machikour K – four years (Three suspended)
Paul Pogba Nearing The End Of His Suspension
Paul Pogba was banned for four years after testing positive for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in September 2023.
He has since had the suspension reduced to 18 months, and will be free to play again from March 2025.
Although currently without a club, he is not without options; Atletico Madrid are thought to be among those interested.
After his ban was reduced, Pogba said: “Finally the nightmare is over.
“Following the decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, I can look forward to the day when I can follow my dreams again.”
Pogba scored 39 times for Manchester United in 233 appearances. The 2022 World Cup winner also has 91 caps for France.
