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Kylian Mbappé reacts with fury at Swedish reports of rape claim

Kylian Mbappé reacts with fury at Swedish reports of rape claim
Swedish prosecutors say a rape investigation had been opened in Stockholm without mentioning Kylian Mbappé, following media reports that the France captain and Real Madrid star was the suspect
Kylian Mbappé, the France captain, pictured on 11 October leaving the hotel where he stayed in StockholmView image in fullscreen

Kylian Mbappé reacts with fury at Swedish reports of rape claim

  • France captain links ‘fake news’ to PSG wages dispute
  • Swedish prosecutors have not named Real Madrid star

Swedish prosecutors say a rape investigation had been opened in ­Stockholm without mentioning Kylian Mbappé, following media reports that the France captain and Real Madrid player was the suspect.

Citing documents it has seen, the Swedish public broadcaster SVT reported that the French footballer is “reasonably suspected” of rape – the lower level of suspicion under Swedish law.

It said the rape report was made after Mbappé’s visit to Sweden. Other Swedish publications reported the same.

The Swedish ­Prosecution Authority said on Tuesday: “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.

“According to the report, the incident took place on 10 October at a hotel in central Stockholm.”

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    The investigation is being led by senior prosecutor Marina ­Chirakova, who was unable to provide further comment.

    The prose­cutor’s office declined to respond to questions about the allegations, telling the Guardian: “There is nothing else that the prosecutor can confirm nor deny.”

    Mbappé did not play in France’s Nations League matches against Israel and Belgium during the most recent international break, ­choosing to aid his recovery from a thigh injury. Instead, he reportedly went to Chez Jolie, a restaurant in the ­Swedish capital, before going to a nightclub, V, in Stureplan, ­according to the newspaper Aftonbladet.

    On Monday afternoon Mbappé reacted furiously to an initial story by Aftonbladet, which referred to the alleged incident but did not link him indivi­dually. His dispute with Paris Saint‑Germain, his former employer, over what he claims to be €55m of unpaid wages was being heard by a French league committeeon Tuesday and he appeared to link that to the ­allegation’s timing.

    “FAKE NEWS !!!!. It’s becoming so predictable, just before the hearing as if by chance,” he wrote on X, adding a “winking” emoji.

    Mbappé’s entourage further denied the story in a statement to Agence France-Presseand ­threatened to take the matter further.

    “Today, a new slanderous rumour is ­starting to spread across the web from the Swedish media ­Aftonbladet,” the statement read. “These ­accusations are ­completely false and ­irresponsible, and their propagation is unacceptable.

    “In order to put an end to this methodical destruction of [the] image [of Kylian Mbappé], all necessary legal actions will be taken to re-establish the truth and pursue any person or media involved in the moral harassment and defamatory treatment that Kylian Mbappé is suffering repeatedly.”

    PSG declined to comment, a spokesperson saying they will keep their “dignity and class”. It is understood the club would be shocked and astounded if there were any suggestion they may have been involved in formulating such an allegation.

    Swedish police said they have no comment and referred to the prosecutor.

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