France coach Didier Deschamps has addressed recent reports alleging that national team captain Kylian Mbappe is being investigated for rape in Sweden. Following France's 2-1 victory over Belgium in the UEFA Nations League, Deschamps commented on the situation, stating that while people are free to write what they want, there is a "negative atmosphere" surrounding the French team.
His response came after Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet reported that a rape allegation had been made to police, though it did not name a suspect. However, another publication, Expressen, identified the 25-year-old Mbappe as the accused individual.
Deschamps urged caution, saying, "Be careful when you pick things up," suggesting that media outlets should be more careful before publishing reports. He added, "These things happen so often," appearing to question the credibility of the allegations.
Mbappe, who was excused from the French squad's matches this month to focus on his fitness, had traveled to Sweden with friends. During the trip, they stayed at the Bank Hotel in Stockholm, and the alleged incident is said to have occurred on Thursday night. Mbappe had visited Chez Jolie restaurant before heading to the V nightclub and returning to the hotel with his entourage.
Mbappe quickly dismissed the allegations as "fake news" on social media, writing, "It's becoming so predictable, just before the hearing as if by chance," referring to an upcoming legal battle with his former club, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), over unpaid wages and bonuses amounting to £46 million.
Mbappe's camp issued a statement through AFP, denouncing the claims as "completely false and irresponsible" and expressing the intention to take legal action to combat what they described as "moral harassment and defamatory treatment." The statement emphasized that all necessary measures would be taken to protect Mbappe's reputation.
A source close to PSG dismissed any connection between the Swedish report and Mbappe's dispute with the club, choosing to "ignore" the player's suggestion of a link between the two.
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