Marseille (AFP) - French police charged former Senegal international Souleymane Diawara with "extortion" and held him in custody, legal sources said Friday.
The 36-year-old defender, who joined Nice this season after five successful years with Olympique Marseille, was charged with extorting money and attempted extortion along with his brother and three others.
Diawara took retaliation against a man he suspected of "scamming him", the source said, without specifying the nature of the scam nor the assault.
The case "has nothing to do with football," the source said.
Media reports said Diawara spent the night at the Baumettes prison in Marseille.
Diawara's lawyer, Grégory Bensadoun, told French television channel BFMTV the dispute involved the purchase of a car.
Nice's assistant coach Fred Gioria commented: "We are very sorry for a very, very good man. We don't know anymore, this has nothing to do with the club."
Diawara holds the record for the most French League Cup wins, winning the trophy four times with Sochaux, Bordeaux, and twice with Marseille, the club with whom he also won the 2010 Ligue 1 title.
He played 48 times for his country.
Tuesday’s downpour destroys ceiling of Circuit Court '8' in Accra
SOEs shouldn't compromise on ethical standards, accountability – Akufo-Addo
Father of 2-year-old boy attacked by dog appeals for financial support
Jubilee House National Security Operative allegedly swindles businessman over sa...
Nobody can order dumsor timetable except Energy Minister – Osafo-Maafo
Mahama wishes National Chief Imam as he clock 105 years today
J.B.Danquah Adu’s murder trial: Case adjourned to April 29
High Court issues arrest warrant for former MASLOC Boss
Align academic curriculum with industry needs — Stanbic Bank Ghana CEO advocates
Election 2024: We'll declare the results and let Ghanaians know we've won - Manh...
