Kylian Mbappé and his mother questioned in major Sanadji corruption probe

A major corruption probe in French football has reached the inner circle of Kylian Mbappé: the Real Madrid forward and his mother, Faiza Lamari, were both summoned as part of the investigation into Mohamed Sanadji, the head of security for the French national team who faces multiple corruption charges.

Lamari appeared before three examining judges on 9 October and was given the status of "assisted witness"; she is not formally accused. Mbappé traveled to Paris separately and gave testimony to police investigators on 30 September, the same day reports emerged about his visit to a Paris nightclub.

Timeline and legal context

Prosecutors charged Sanadji on 16 September with a range of alleged offences that include the misuse of public funds obtained through criminal means. According to French authorities’ guidance on charging decisions, prosecution requires "substantial or consistent evidence" to take matters further.

Investigators say Lamari asked Sanadji to assist with four visa applications; that request is among the elements examined by investigators. Her classification as an "assisted witness" reflects a French judicial status reserved for people whose names are connected to an inquiry or whose testimony suggests possible involvement without being sufficient for indictment.

The probe also reached other well-known figures who have been questioned about using Sanadji’s services, including Frank Ribéry, former president of the French Football Federation Noel Le Graët, FFF president Philippe Diallo, and comedian Jamel Debbouze. Authorities continue to question people linked to the network around the national team’s security apparatus.

The investigation remains open and active. Neither Mbappé nor Lamari has been formally charged. Prosecutors and the investigating judges have so far limited public comment as questioning and evidence collection proceed.

Photo: press material from the event