Mohamed Sanhadji, the head of security for the France national team, has been suspended by the French Football Federation and summoned to a preliminary disciplinary hearing. This move follows the former police officer being placed under judicial investigation on September 16 for alleged corruption and influence peddling.

A Judicial Investigation Triggered

The case was opened after a report to Tracfin in July 2024 concerning a transfer of 60,300 euros from Kylian Mbappé. The France captain, who has scored 10 goals in 8 appearances this season at a rate of one goal every 104 minutes, made the payment from his 2022 World Cup bonus. The sum was described as a 'customary gift' after Sanhadji travelled to Cameroon to organise security for Mbappé during a private stay. The national financial prosecutor's office placed Sanhadji under judicial control, a measure that notably bans him from the Clairefontaine national team base.

FFF president Philippe Diallo confirmed the situation on Thursday following a federation executive committee meeting. "Regarding this case, it is a case that is currently under investigation, so you can understand that it does not allow me to go into all the details," Diallo stated. The FFF has joined the proceedings as a civil party.

Integration Maintained Despite Warnings

Despite an administrative investigation that led to early retirement from the national police at the end of 2025, Mohamed Sanhadji remained in his role with the national team. The Federation had offered him a fixed-term contract until the 2026 World Cup. "We were six months from the World Cup for the France team and a consensus was created around the idea that, given the proximity of such an important deadline, the commander could continue his activities," explained Philippe Diallo, citing the principle of presumption of innocence.

Upon Zinédine Zidane's arrival as new head coach, Sanhadji was confirmed in the staff and even signed a permanent contract this summer. Zidane had expressed his wish to keep the man who had overseen team security for nearly twenty years. The judicial control imposed in September, which prevented Sanhadji from carrying out his duties, ultimately led the FFF to impose a conservatory suspension.

Continuity of Service in Question

The Federation and the Ministry of the Interior are now in contact to designate the next security officer who will join Zinédine Zidane's staff in the coming weeks. Philippe Diallo acknowledged the situation was "quite unpleasant" and that the coach's concern was to have a team with optimal protection.

This affair comes as Les Bleus, unbeaten in their last four matches with three wins and a draw, prepare for their next away fixture against Italy on November 12. The internal FFF disciplinary procedure, separate from the judicial investigation, will determine Mohamed Sanhadji's professional future within the institution.

Background and full detail: RMC Sport