Former Marseille defender Souleymane Diawara receives three-year prison term for extortion
A French prosecutor on Thursday called for former Marseille defender Souleymane Diawara to receive a three-year prison term for extortion
-
Diawara was arrested in 2015 on suspicion of complicity in attempting to recover $58,950 from a car dealer who allegedly sold him a stolen Porsche
-
The former Ligue 1 title-winner is charged with getting his brother Adama and four others to go to the seller's home in the middle of the night in 2015
-
Diawara is on trial at Dignes-les-Bains. The sentence sought by the prosecutor involves one year in prison with two years suspended
Digne-les-Bains: A French prosecutor on Thursday called for former Marseille defender Souleymane Diawara to receive a three-year prison term for extortion.
Olympique Marseille's Souleymane Diawara. Reuters
Diawara was arrested in 2015 and spent two and a half months in custody on suspicion of complicity in attempting to recover 49,800 euros ($58,950) from a car dealer who allegedly sold him a stolen Porsche.
The former Ligue 1 title-winner is charged with getting his brother Adama and four others to go to the seller's home in the middle of the night on 19 March 2015, in an attempt to retrieve the money.
In the presence of his wife and two daughters, they asked the seller for 50,000 euros before leaving with a BMW taken "as a pledge", with the promise to return it if 10,000 euros were paid.
The 40-year-old ex-Senegal international is on trial at Dignes-les-Bains. The sentence sought by the prosecutor involves one year in prison with two years suspended.
"None should take the law into their own hands," prosecutor Stéphane Kellenberger told the court, adding that Diawara was "the instigator" of the affair.
Diawara, who also played in England for Charlton Athletic, retired from professional football in September 2015 after leaving Nice.
His brother Adama faces the same punishment if found guilty.
also read
David James interview: Former England goalkeeper on Euro 2020, memories of playing in 2004 edition and more
Former England goalkeeper David James speaks to Firstpost.com about the team spirit of the England squad, his memories of playing in Euro 2004 and more.
Euro 2020: England's new golden generation aims to be best possible representatives of a nation
The rivalry among this crop of England players is rooted in mutual respect and teamwork. Instead of seeing themselves as individuals banner carries of their teams, they are invested more in elevating each other’s chances as a successful international unit.
Euro 2020: Fan in serious condition after falling from stands at Wembley Stadium
The incident was said to have happened just after kickoff. No other details were given.