An investigation into an alleged rape at a hotel in Stockholm has been opened, with Swedish media putting Kylian Mbappe’s name in the frame.
A Swedish prosecutor has stopped short of identifying any suspects in the case when confirming that the matter is being looked into following an official complaint. Sweden’s Prosecution Authority said in a statement: “In response to media reports about a suspected rape in Stockholm, the prosecutor can confirm that a criminal report has been submitted to the police.”
Swedish newspapers Aftonbladet and Expressen, along with public broadcaster SVT, have claimed that Mbappe is the target of said investigation following his recent visit to Scandinavia – which occurred during a break from Real Madrid duty after being left out of France’s latest UEFA Nations League squad.
Expressen report that clothing has been seized by police forces as evidence, having previously claimed that Mbappe is “reasonably suspected” of rape and sexual assault. No formal charges have been brought as yet, meaning that no suspects are in custody.
Mbappe has responded to the speculation that he is generating by posting on social media – as the appeals committee in France prepares to hear his claims to €55 million (£46m/$60m) in unpaid bonuses from former club Paris Saint-Germain: “FAKE NEWS!!!!. It’s becoming so predictable, on the eve of the hearing, as if by chance.”
After being contacted by French news agency AFP, Mbappe’s entourage claimed to have “no knowledge of a legal complaint made against him”. They had previously said in a statement released on Monday: “Today, a new slanderous rumour is starting to spread across the web from the Swedish media Aftonbladet. These accusations are completely false and irresponsible, and their propagation is unacceptable.” The statement went on to say that “all necessary legal action will be taken to re-establish the truth”.