New Delhi: Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe is being investigated by Swedish authorities following accusations of rape, according to reports from Swedish media. The 25-year-old footballer allegedly visited Stockholm during the international break, where the incident is said to have occurred. These developments follow earlier claims that Mbappe has requested to play only selective games for France as he prioritises winning Ballon d’Or.
To complicate matters further, Mbappe was reportedly seen out at a nightclub the same evening as France was playing Israel in the UEFA Nations League, sparking criticism online.
Sources reveal that Mbappe, along with his friends visited a local restaurant and nightclub last Thursday. He left Sweden the following day, but on Saturday, a formal complaint was reportedly filed against him. According to the Swedish press, the alleged victim sought medical attention shortly after the incident. The identity of the accused remained unknown until the Swedish newspaper Expressen named Mbappe as the key suspect.
🚨 Swedish police have confirmed to local media that Kylian Mbappé is the subject of a complaint for rape and sexual assault. 🤯
👉 The footballer was staying at the Bank Hotel and it is claimed the alleged rape took place on Thursday.
👉 Mbappé had visited the Chez Jolie… pic.twitter.com/Kx5zuGYUy5
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) October 15, 2024
Mbappe denies allegations
Responding to the allegations, he took to his social media platform X (formerly Twitter), where he firmly denied the accusations. In his post, he drew attention to the timing of the claims, saying, “It’s all too convenient. Just before my hearing, this ‘news’ comes out. FAKE NEWS! It’s becoming a pattern.” Mbappe was referring to his upcoming hearing with a French league committee regarding a financial dispute with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
FAKE NEWS !!!! ❌❌❌
Ça en devient tellement prévisible, veille d’audience comme par hasard 😉 https://t.co/nQN98mtyzR
— Kylian Mbappé (@KMbappe) October 14, 2024
The Swedish police have refrained from providing specific details about the ongoing investigation. A police spokesperson commented, “When we make a case public, there is always the risk that those involved could take steps that hinder or complicate the investigation. We aim to avoid that.”
Photos published by the Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet on Monday show police officers outside the hotel where Mbappe stayed during his time in Stockholm. Mbappe’s entourage in a statement to AFP denied the accusations and called them false and irresponsible. They also condemned the new rumors spreading across the web as unacceptable.
French coach Deschamps’ reaction
French head coach Didier Deschamps addressed the media, urging caution against spreading unverified information. Deschamps defended his player, saying, “People can write what they want, but there is a growing negativity surrounding the French team. It is important to be mindful before amplifying rumors.”
He added that he wouldn’t personally address the issue with Mbappe, as he is mature enough to handle himself and communicate when necessary.
Kylian Mbappe faces rape allegations in Sweden following a visit to Stockholm. The French star strongly denies the claims, citing suspicious timing before a key hearing. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today