The donations were made by the France forward after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar
Authorities in France are currently investigating payments made by Kylian Mbappe to five police officers during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The payments are said to have been donations from the player to the officers out the bonus he received at the tournament, as a gesture of goodwill after they provided security for the France team during the competition. The issue arose when the officers in question declared the money to the French treasury for tax purposes.
According to reports from Le Canard Enchaine, Mbappe transferred a total of €180,300 to members of a police unit that was tasked with protecting the France national team during the tournament in Qatar. Four officers reportedly received €30,000 each, while the unit’s commander was given €60,300.
However, the payments could potentially have breached French regulations about private donations to public officials.
France’s financial intelligence unit Tracfin flagged the transfers as potentially irregular. The internal affairs division of French police, IGPN, has since opened an administrative inquiry, and the Paris public prosecutor has also been informed.
It is understood that the case is not about Mbappe’s conduct and more on whether the officers receiving the money complied with the necessary legal obligations, such as declaring the funds, and whether accepting such private gifts falls within the ethical boundaries for public servants.
The donations were made from an account in Monaco and appear to be part of a commitment by Mbappe to give away his national team earnings.
After the 2018 World Cup, the forward donated his entire bonus to a children’s charity. In 2022, he made a similar pledge, this time reportedly dividing the sum between several causes, including charities and individuals who had supported the France team.
