This investigation follows the Real Madrid star’s visit to Stockholm, which Mbappé has dismissed as “fake news.”
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While Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet initially reported that a rape allegation had been made to the police without naming the suspect, Expressen later identified the 25-year-old Mbappé as the individual under suspicion.
“According to information obtained by Expressen, police are investigating the star who is reasonably suspected of rape and sexual assault,” the newspaper wrote.
Swedish law enforcement distinguishes between two levels of suspicion: “reasonable” and “probable,” with reasonable representing the lower threshold.
When contacted by AFP, Mbappé’s representatives stated they were unaware of any legal complaint against him.
The French international, not selected for the recent Nations League matches, visited Stockholm last Thursday with a group of companions. They reportedly dined at a restaurant before heading to a nightclub, and departed Sweden the following day.
According to Aftonbladet, a formal complaint was filed on Saturday regarding an alleged rape that occurred “in Stockholm city center.” The complaint was made after the alleged victim sought medical attention, but the report did not specify who was accused.
Later, Expressen identified Mbappé as the suspect in the case.
In response, Mbappé posted on X (formerly Twitter), suggesting a connection between the Aftonbladet report and his upcoming hearing before a French league committee regarding a bitter dispute with his former club, Paris Saint-Germain, over claimed unpaid wages.
Mbappe claims he is owed 55 million euros ($60 million) by the Qatari-owned French champions.
“FAKE NEWS !!!!. It’s becoming so predictable, on the eve of the hearing, as if by chance,” Mbappe posted.
A prosecutor investigating the accusation told AFP: “A probe is under way into a crime that was reported on October 10 in the centre of Stockholm.”
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