Momo scandal forces France security chief to abandon the Bleus
Former France national team security chief Mohamed Sanhadji, known as Momo, was charged on 19 September after investigators said he extracted more than €300,000 from French internationals between 2020 and 2024, prompting a bail of €80,000 and a ban from any involvement with the Bleus.
Corruption charges and financial gains
The Mis en examen, lodged on 19 September, enumerates active corruption, public‑fund misappropriation, active and passive influence trafficking on public officials, international passive influence trafficking, passive corruption, fraud and tax‑fraud laundering. Investigators say Sanhadji extracted more than €300,000 from several French internationals between 2020 and 2024.
A separate tally by L’Equipe indicates he also secured roughly €215,000 from a roster that included Kylian Mbappé (through his mother Fayza Lamari), Raphaël Varane, Sabri Lamouchi, Laurent Blanc, Yann M’Vila and Mattéo Guendouzi. To avoid pre‑trial detention he posted €80,000 bail, paid in instalments over several months.
Flattery tactics and player manipulation
Sanhadji’s manipulation relied on flagornerie, sending personalised notes such as “You are my most beautiful encounter in football” to Antoine Griezmann, Olivier Giroud, Thierry Henry and Zinédine Zidane. He copied the same template to Willy Sagnol and other stars, convincing each they were his favourite.
Alongside the compliments he solicited loans for a house, all‑expenses‑paid trips, match tickets and jerseys, claiming financial hardship and ignorance of real‑estate matters. The requests were framed as private favours, with each player told the appeal was a “little secret”.
Legal fallout and exclusion from the national side
Following the Mis, the football federation barred Sanhadji from any contact with the sport and ordered him to stay away from the France national team, the Bleus. The IGPN investigation linked him to the Kylian Mbappé donation case, alleging he leveraged his proximity to French stars for cash.
In a recorded conversation on 25 October 2024, Sanhadji told Mattéo Guendouzi, “If it comes out, it will be my end…”, underscoring his awareness of the illicit nature of the scheme. Zinédine Zidane had originally considered retaining Sanhadji, describing him as indispensable before the scandal broke.