France Football Security Chief Investigated in Major Corruption and Fraud Scandal
A major corruption scandal rocks the French national team as former security chief Mohamed Senhajy faces investigation over hundreds of thousands of euros in loans from star players.
A major scandal has shaken the French national football team environment. Mohamed Senhajy, who for over two decades served as the chief security officer and liaison for Les Bleus, is at the center of an extensive investigation into allegations of corruption, influence peddling, fraud, and money laundering.
The Investigation and Allegations
Senhajy, 57, a former police officer known among players as "Momo," was placed under formal investigation on September 16 and is now banned from approaching the French national team. According to an extensive investigation published in France, investigators suspect that between 2020 and 2024, he received more than 300,000 euros from national team players in funds, loans, and various benefits.
One of the central parts of the case involves the purchase of a house in 2024. Investigators suspect that Senhajy approached a series of players and coaches asking for loans, presenting the house as a family asset with emotional significance. Ultimately, approximately 215,000 euros were raised this way.
"If this comes out, it will be the end of me," Senhajy was allegedly heard saying in a conversation with Matteo Guendouzi in October 2024, expressing concern that his financial conduct would be exposed.
Player Contributions and Reactions
The largest sum came from Kylian Mbappe. According to reports in France, 120,000 euros were transferred from the team captain's accounts through his mother, Fayza Lamari. Additionally, Raphael Varane, Sabri Lamouchi, and Laurent Blanc reportedly lent 20,000 euros each, Yann M'Vila 15,000 euros, and Matteo Guendouzi 7,500 euros. There is no suggestion that the players who made the transfers are suspected of any wrongdoing.
Investigators believe Senhajy approached players individually, asking them to keep the matter secret. Reports indicate he frequently used flattering phrases, such as "You are the most beautiful encounter I've had in football," which was allegedly sent to multiple people, including Antoine Griezmann, Olivier Giroud, Thierry Henry, and Zinedine Zidane.
