Mohamed Sanhadji, the logistics and security manager for the France national football team, was placed under formal investigation in Paris on Wednesday, September 16, following an inquiry into a financial gift from Kylian Mbappé. According to reports from the Paris prosecutor’s office, the case involves complex allegations including active and passive corruption of a person holding public authority, active and passive influence peddling, and the receipt of embezzled public funds.
Judicial Supervision and Severe Professional Restrictions
Under the terms of his judicial supervision, Sanhadji faces strict prohibitions that effectively sever his ties to professional football and law enforcement. The former police officer is barred from having any contact with current or former players of national selections, current coaching staff, past and present managers, and current or former officials of the French Football Federation (FFF). Furthermore, the restrictions prohibit contact with directors and deputy directors of the Central Directorate of Republican Security (DCCRS) dating back to 2011.
The magistrate’s order also prevents Sanhadji from entering key French football locations without explicit judicial authorization. These restricted sites include the FFF headquarters, the Clairefontaine training center, the Stade de France, and the Parc des Princes. In addition to a financial caution set at 80.000 euros, the judicial control orders him to cease any professional activity within national policing and the professional sports sector entirely, blocking remuneration from any French or foreign club, the FFF, or international governing bodies.
Origins of the Investigation Into the Mbappé Gift
The legal proceedings stem from a payment made in June 2023, shortly after the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Kylian Mbappé provided a check for 60,300 euros to Sanhadji, drawing from the forward’s tournament bonus pool. At the time, Sanhadji served as a police officer tasked with overseeing security for Les Bleus, a role he held from 2004 until December 2025.
Investigators note that Sanhadji received the funds without notifying his administrative hierarchy within the police force. The transaction came to light in July 2024 when a bank official flagged the gift to Tracfin, the financial intelligence unit operating under the Ministry of Economy and Finance in Bercy. That report initiated a preliminary judicial investigation into tax fraud laundering and undeclared labor, which subsequently evolved into a formal judicial information inquiry opened in January 2026.
Retirement From Policing and FFF Reemployment
Following the discovery of the unnotified funds, Sanhadji’s police superiors placed him into early retirement as an internal sanction for failing to declare the financial gift. Despite the disciplinary exit from the national police, the French Football Federation retained a high level of trust in his professional capabilities, recognizing his long-standing popularity among players and federation executives alike.
The FFF subsequently brought Sanhadji on board directly to accompany the team to the 2026 World Cup.
Federation Response and Next Steps in the Legal Process
Reacting to the developments announced by the Paris prosecutor’s office, a federal source at the French Football Federation stated that the organization declines to comment on ongoing judicial proceedings. However, the same source confirmed that the FFF intends to draw internal consequences regarding Sanhadji’s employment status and will formally join the legal case as a civil party.
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