Charged with corruption, France's security chief barred from Zidane's first squad gathering

Mohamed Sanhadji, head of security for the French national team since 2004, will not be present at the first squad gathering of the Zinédine Zidane era. Charged with corruption, embezzlement of public funds and fraud, he is under judicial supervision and formally forbidden from going to Clairefontaine or contacting players and staff.

The matter takes on particular resonance for Zidane, appointed manager on July 28 in succession to Didier Deschamps. The coach had expressly wished to keep Sanhadji at his side, making him one of the pillars of his backroom team. His forced removal thus immediately complicates the formation of France’s support staff.

According to L’Équipe’s information, the investigation originates from the aftermath of the 2022 World Cup. It notably concerns an undeclared donation of 60,000 euros paid by Kylian Mbappé to thank the national team’s security personnel. The investigations opened following this payment brought to light several suspicions directly targeting Sanhadji.

Beyond the ban from frequenting professional football circles, the former official must pay a bail of 80,000 euros. His lawyer vigorously contests the proceedings, denouncing an investigation designed to “destroy” him, and has immediately appealed to attempt to lift the restrictions imposed on his client.

Zidane unveiled his first squad list for France on Friday, marked by several new faces. This legal matter now casts a shadow over a start that the new manager would doubtless have preferred to devote entirely to sporting matters.