Kylian Mbappe (Reuters photo)

PARIS: Kylian Mbappe is being investigated by Swedish police for rape, according to a newspaper report Sweden after a visit by the Real Madrid star to Stockholm, which Mbappe described as “fake news”.
After Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet reported that a suspected rape had been reported to police, but without naming the accused, Expressen newspaper said 25-year-old Mbappe was the suspect.
“According to information from Expressen, the police are investigating the star, who is suspected of rape and sexual assault,” the newspaper wrote.
Swedish law enforcement authorities differentiate the level of suspicion into “reasonable” and “probable”, with “reasonable” being the lower level of suspicion.
When asked by the AFP news agency, Mbappe's entourage said they had no knowledge of a lawsuit against him.
The France international was not selected for his country's final round of Nations League games and so visited the Swedish capital with a group of people last Thursday.
According to the Aftonbladet report, they ate at a restaurant before going to a nightclub. Mbappe and the group left Sweden on Friday.
The newspaper said a rape had been committed “in central Stockholm,” citing a formal report it had seen filed with police on Saturday.
Aftonbladet said the complaint was filed after the alleged victim sought medical attention, but did not name who was named in the indictment.
Expressen later reported that Mbappe was the suspect.
Mbappe himself claimed in a post about unpaid wages.
Mbappe claims he is owed 55 million euros ($60 million) by the Qatari French champions.
“FAKE NEWS!!!!. It becomes so predictable, on the eve of the hearing, as if by chance,” Mbappe posted.
A prosecutor investigating the allegation told AFP: “An investigation into a crime reported in central Stockholm on October 10 is underway.”
'Defamatory'
Swedish police declined to provide further details.
“If we have received a complaint and decide to conduct interviews and disclose it (to the public), those involved in the case can generally take actions that delay and complicate the investigation,” said police spokeswoman Carina Skagerlind.
Aftonbladet published photos on its website on Monday showing police officers in front of the hotel where Mbappe and the group had stayed with him.
Mbappe's entourage said in a statement sent to AFP: “Today a new defamatory rumor is spreading on the Internet from the Swedish media Aftonbladet.”
“These allegations are completely false and irresponsible, and their dissemination is unacceptable.”
“In order to put an end to this methodical destruction of the image (of Kylian Mbappe), all necessary legal actions will be taken to restore the truth and prosecute any person or media involved in the moral harassment and defamatory treatment.” Kylian Mbappe suffers again and again,” the statement continued.
A source close to Paris Saint-Germain told AFP that they would “ignore” Mbappe's claim that there was a connection between the report in Sweden and his dispute with the club.
Mbappe moved to Madrid in the summer after seven years at PSG.
After an outstanding career, he has become one of the highest paid players in the world.
Along with Pelé, he was the only teenager to score in a World Cup final France defeated Croatia 4-2, won the 2018 edition and was voted the best young player of the tournament.
Four years later, in Qatar, he scored a hat-trick in the final against Argentina, but ended up losing as Lionel Messi's side won on penalties.