Mbappé donation scandal forces police officer into early retirement

Internal review exposes undisclosed payment

The case centers on a senior police officer who was part of the security detail responsible for safeguarding France’s national football team and its players, including captain Kylian Mbappé. According to Le Monde, concerns emerged after investigators identified a previously undisclosed financial transfer between the football star and the officer.

Le Monde reported that Mbappé made a donation of €60,300 to the officer in June 2023. While the payment itself was not alleged to be illegal, the issue arose because the officer did not inform his superiors, as required under French police regulations.

Those rules oblige officers to declare significant gifts or financial contributions, particularly when they come from individuals with whom they have a professional relationship. The failure to disclose the donation prompted an internal disciplinary investigation once the transaction came to light, according to the newspaper.

Disciplinary decision ends police career

Following the internal review, authorities concluded that the officer had breached professional obligations by failing to declare the donation, Le Monde said. As a result, the officer was formally sanctioned.

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The disciplinary measures included forcing the officer into early retirement, effectively ending his career in the police force. No criminal charges were reported in connection with the case, and the investigation focused solely on professional conduct and internal rules.

Le Monde reported that neither Mbappé nor representatives of the French national team publicly commented on the outcome of the disciplinary process.

Transparency rules under renewed scrutiny

The episode has renewed debate in France about transparency and ethical standards for public servants, particularly those assigned to sensitive roles involving high profile figures. Officers tasked with protecting national sports teams operate under strict guidelines designed to avoid conflicts of interest or perceptions of favoritism.

According to Le Monde, the case highlights how even lawful financial interactions can lead to serious consequences when disclosure requirements are not followed, underscoring the heightened expectations placed on security personnel working alongside some of the country’s most prominent athletes.

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Sources: Le Monde

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