Zidane's Security Chief Questioned Over Corruption Involving French Internationals

Mohamed Sanhadji, the France team’s “security chief” retained in Zinédine Zidane’s staff, is currently under investigation for corruption, abuse of influence, fraud and money laundering related to tax evasion, L’Équipe reveals. The scandal breaks as the new manager has just won his first two matches in charge of Les Bleus since his appointment on July 28.

According to the sports daily, Sanhadji allegedly obtained nearly €300,000 from around fifteen French internationals between 2020 and 2024, citing financial difficulties to fund the purchase of his house. The investigation also points to numerous gifts in kind and holidays offered by certain players.

Among the names mentioned, Kylian Mbappé allegedly lent €120,000 to the former security chief through his mother Fayza Lamari. Raphaël Varane, Sabri Lamouchi, Laurent Blanc, Yann M’Vila and Mattéo Guendouzi also feature in the file. Other internationals are reportedly involved without their names yet being made public.

Franck Ribéry is suspected of offering Sanhadji a trip to Sicily valued at €6,000 in exchange for administrative facilitations obtained in Algeria for relatives of the former winger. The investigation has already led to searches at the French Football Federation (FFF) as well as at the home of Fayza Lamari, L’Équipe reports.

Sanhadji was a trusted aide of Didier Deschamps before being retained in his position by Zidane. His questioning places the new manager in a delicate position as he prepares to return to the Stade de France for the first time in his new role.