The Mohamed Sanhadji case has taken another turn. Already under formal investigation on charges including corruption, influence peddling, fraud and money laundering linked to tax fraud, the former France national team security chief is now at the centre of new revelations from L’Équipe. Investigators are reportedly looking into significant sums of money and various benefits he allegedly received from several prominent figures in French football. Mohamed Sanhadji remains presumed innocent of the allegations against him.
A key figure around the France national team for more than twenty years, Mohamed Sanhadji had built up an extensive network in French football. According to information reported by L’Équipe, investigators suspect the former police officer of having received more than €300,000 from current or former players between 2020 and 2024, in addition to various benefits in kind.
Mbappé, Varane and Blanc Among the Names Mentioned
Part of the investigation reportedly concerns the financing of a property project. Sanhadji is alleged to have approached around fifteen current or former players, citing financial difficulties, and to have received approximately €215,000 in loans. Kylian Mbappé reportedly contributed €120,000 through his mother, Fayza Lamari, while Raphaël Varane, Sabri Lamouchi and Laurent Blanc allegedly lent €20,000 each, Yann M’Vila €15,000 and Mattéo Guendouzi €7,500. Lamari is also reported to have covered around €7,000 in dental expenses for Sanhadji. These amounts are elements reported as part of the investigation and should not be considered facts definitively established by a court.
Sanhadji also accompanied Mbappé and his mother on a private trip to Cameroon in the summer of 2023, a journey that reportedly raised questions within the police because of its private nature and lack of connection to his duties with the France national team. Other major names in French football are also said to appear in the case. Franck Ribéry reportedly offered Sanhadji a trip to Sicily worth around €6,000, while Djibril Sidibé, Nabil Fekir, Moussa Sissoko and Bacary Sagna were allegedly approached for money or other benefits. Hugo Lloris, Patrick Vieira, Willy Sagnol and Nicolas Anelka are among other figures who were reportedly contacted.
The case initially gained momentum over a €60,300 payment made by Kylian Mbappé in 2023 from his bonus linked to the 2022 World Cup, which was later reported to Tracfin. A judicial investigation was opened in January 2026 before Sanhadji was formally placed under investigation in September. Searches were reportedly carried out at the French Football Federation and at Fayza Lamari’s home. Sanhadji has been placed under judicial supervision, with significant restrictions on his contacts within the football world, and was ordered to post €80,000 bail. The proceedings remain ongoing: being placed under formal investigation means judges believe there is serious or corroborating evidence warranting further investigation, but it does not determine guilt, and Mohamed Sanhadji remains presumed innocent.
