Swedish Prosecutor Confirms Rape Investigation Amid Allegations Involving Kylian Mbappe- 2024 Updated
Swedish Prosecutor Confirms Rape Investigation Amid Allegations Involving Kylian Mbappe
Following his two-day vacation to the Nordic capital last week, Kylian Mbappe was the subject of an investigation, according to reports in Swedish media on Tuesday.
After media sources suggested that Kylian Mbappe, the star of Real Madrid and France, was the suspect after a visit to Stockholm, a Swedish prosecutor announced on Tuesday that a rape investigation had been launched, without specifying the player.
The probe was reportedly directed at Mbappe, 25, during his two-day visit to the Nordic city last week, according to reports published on Tuesday by the Swedish newspapers Aftonbladet and Expressen as well as the public broadcaster SVT.
Sweden’s Prosecution Authority issued a statement saying, “In response to media reports about a suspected rape in Stockholm, the prosecutor can confirm that a criminal report has been submitted to the police.”
According to Expressen, Mbappe is “reasonably suspected” of rape and sexual assault—the lowest of two possible levels of suspicion recognized by Swedish law.
The higher level of suspicion, or “probable cause,” is typically required in order for a suspect to be placed under arrest until the filing of an official charge, according to the Prosecution Authority.
When AFP reached out to Mbappe’s team on Monday, they stated they were unaware of any formal complaints filed against him.
The French international traveled to the Swedish capital last Thursday with a group of people after being left off of his nation’s most recent round of Nations League matches.
They had dinner at a restaurant before heading to a nightclub, according to Aftonbladet. On Friday, Mbappe and the team departed Sweden.
According to Aftonbladet, the complaint was made on Saturday following the purported victim’s visit to the doctor.
Expressen said on Tuesday that women’s underwear, a pair of black pants, and a black blouse were among the clothes that police had taken as evidence.
In a post published on X on Monday, Mbappe asserted that a connection existed between the Aftonbladet news and his Tuesday hearing before a French league committee on his acrimonious disagreement with his previous team, Paris Saint-Germain, for unpaid wages.
“FAKE NEWS !!!!. On the eve of the hearing, it’s getting so routine, almost like a coincidence,” Mbappe wrote.
A source close to Paris Saint-Germain told AFP on Monday that the team will “ignore” Mbappe’s assertion that the Swedish article was connected to his disagreement with the team.
In a statement provided to AFP on Monday, Mbappe’s team stated: “A fresh, malicious rumor is beginning to circulate online from the Swedish publication Aftonbladet.
“These accusations are completely false and irresponsible, and their propagation is unacceptable.” “All necessary legal action will be taken to re-establish the truth,” the statement read.
Mbappe says the French champions, who are owned by Qatar, owe him 55 million euros, or $60 million.
The 55 million euros in wages and incentives that Mbappe claimed he was due when he left PSG to join Real Madrid at the end of the previous season were ordered to be paid by the French league (LFP) in September.
The committee has the authority to uphold or reverse the LFP’s decision. Notably, it will consist of two representatives from the French national players’ organization, a magistrate, and an independent president.
After seven years at PSG, Mbappe joined Real Madrid this summer. He has avoided controversy in his personal life thus far.
After a brilliant career that started when he was barely out of his teens, the forward—who is renowned for meticulously manipulating his image through a close network of family, attorneys, and spokespeople—has emerged as one of the best paid athletes in the world.
When France defeated Croatia 4-2 to win the 2018 World Cup, he became the only teenager to score in a World Cup final alongside Pele. He was also named the tournament’s Best Young Player.
He finished on the losing side when Lionel Messi’s team prevailed in a penalty shootout four years later in Qatar, despite scoring a hat-trick against Argentina in the championship match.
