According to RMC Sport, French Football Federation (FFF) president Philippe Diallo announced on Thursday that Mohamed Sanhadji, head of security for the French national team, has been preventatively suspended by the FFF and notified of a formal interview prior to disciplinary action, which could lead to his dismissal. Sanhadji is under judicial investigation for multiple charges, including alleged embezzlement of public funds, corruption, and abuse of power.
Sanhadji has long served as head of security for the French national team and is a veteran member of the squad's staff. On September 16, he came under formal investigation by French judicial authorities for several charges, including alleged embezzlement of public funds, active bribery of public officials, abuse of power, and passive bribery of public officials.
According to the investigation, Sanhadji allegedly received money and other benefits from several French national team players, including captain Kylian Mbappé.
This case also somewhat affected Zinedine Zidane's first training camp after taking over as coach of the French team. Although the players' performance on the field was not significantly impacted, the judicial investigation surrounding Sanhadji has attracted public attention.
On Thursday, during a meeting of the FFF Executive Committee, Diallo explained the FFF's handling of the matter to several media outlets, including RMC Sport.
Diallo stated: "Regarding this case, the judicial investigation is still ongoing, so you can understand that I cannot disclose all the details."
"Mohamed Sanhadji has made a very positive contribution to our national team for about 20 years. Successive national team players and coaches have developed strong relationships with him."
"Last year, he underwent an administrative investigation and ultimately took early retirement at the end of December 2023."
However, considering that the World Cup was only six months away at the time, the FFF ultimately decided to allow Sanhadji to continue working for the national team.
Diallo explained: "With only six months until the World Cup, a consensus gradually formed that he should be allowed to continue his duties given the imminent importance of such a major event."
"The players and the national team coach all wanted him to continue working, and at the same time, we had to adhere to the principle of presumption of innocence."
"That's why I decided to sign a fixed-term contract with him that lasted until the end of the World Cup. I couldn't make a longer-term commitment at that time."
After the World Cup, Zinedine Zidane was appointed head coach of the French national team, and Sanhadji was retained in the new staff.
However, with the progress of the judicial investigation in September this year, Sanhadji was subjected to judicial supervision measures, prohibiting him from entering the French national team's training base at Clairefontaine, thus preventing him from continuing to perform his duties as head of security.
Diallo stated: "The World Cup was over, and the national team had a new coach, but no decision had yet been made in the judicial process at that time."
"Considering the wishes of all relevant parties within the French national team, we once again offered Sanhadji a contract so he could continue working for the national team."
"However, in September this year, he came under formal judicial investigation and was simultaneously subjected to judicial supervision measures, which prevented him from continuing his professional duties in French football."
"Therefore, the French Football Federation decided to take preventative suspension measures against him and notify him of a formal interview prior to disciplinary action."
Diallo confirmed that this disciplinary procedure could ultimately lead to Sanhadji's dismissal, but no final decision has been made yet.
He emphasized: "As for the other aspects of the case, they fall within the scope of the investigating judge's responsibilities."
The French Football Federation has already joined the judicial proceedings as a civil party.
Diallo also explained why the FFF renewed Sanhadji's contract even after Zidane took office.
He said: "When the new coach Zidane arrived, he already knew Sanhadji from his previous time with the French national team and therefore wanted him to continue working for the national team."
"As you know, the players also shared this sentiment. That's why we extended Sanhadji's employment contract after the new head coach took over."
It is worth noting that when Sanhadji renewed his contract this summer, he signed an indefinite employment contract with the FFF. Therefore, the FFF must now handle disciplinary action that could involve dismissal in accordance with relevant legal provisions and procedural requirements.
Meanwhile, the French Football Federation is recruiting new security personnel. Under an agreement with the French Ministry of Interior, a new police officer is expected to join Zidane's national team staff in the coming weeks.
During the most recent French team training camp, Zidane spoke about Sanhadji's situation at a press conference, expressing his dissatisfaction.
In response, Diallo said: "Those are his feelings. We have discussed all these issues."
"For Zidane, his primary concern is ensuring the team receives the utmost security protection. The current situation is indeed quite difficult."
Finally, Diallo emphasized that the French Football Federation will continue to handle Sanhadji's case according to established procedures while striving to prevent judicial matters from affecting the normal operation of the national team.
He said: "The relevant procedures are still ongoing, and we will make a judgment after the final results are known."
"The responsibility of the French Football Federation is to maintain the right direction and ensure that the French national team is not disrupted by various judicial controversies."
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Hazbceknp
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hmmm...I trust my country Nigeria them go chop the money together lol