French football’s security circle has been shaken by allegations surrounding Mohamed Sanhadji, the long-serving security officer who spent two decades alongside the national team.
Sanhadji, 57, worked with Les Bleus from 2006 to 2026 and was placed under formal investigation in early September on suspicions including corruption, influence peddling, misuse of public funds and fraud. The allegations remain unproven.
Quick facts
- Mohamed Sanhadji is alleged to have received more than €300,000 from France internationals between 2020 and 2024.
- Some €215,000 was reportedly provided as loans linked to the purchase of his home.
- About 15 current or former internationals were approached, with roughly half agreeing to help.
- Kylian Mbappé reportedly provided €120,000, the largest individual sum mentioned.
- Laurent Blanc, Raphaël Varane, Sabri Lamouchi, Mattéo Guendouzi and Yann M’Vila were also named among those who lent money.
The case centres in part on repeated requests for financial assistance made to French internationals. Sanhadji is alleged to have secured more than €300,000 in total over a four-year period, with loans accounting for €215,000 of that figure.
The money was reportedly used to help finance the house where he lives. Most of the players who agreed to lend funds are said to have transferred either €15,000 or €20,000.
Mbappé’s reported contribution stands apart. The France captain is said to have lent €120,000, considerably more than the other sums cited.
Former France coach Blanc, 2018 World Cup winner Varane, former international Lamouchi, Lazio midfielder Guendouzi and ex-France midfielder M’Vila are among the other figures identified in connection with the alleged loans.
Sanhadji’s role around the national team gave him close access to generations of players, from the post-2006 era through to the current France set-up. The investigation now places that long-standing relationship with the squad under intense scrutiny.
