Paul Pogba’s brother Mathias has been released from prison after being arrested and charged over an alleged extortion plot against the former Manchester United star.

The 32-year-old footballer had been in pre-trial custody since his arrest in September. French newspaper Le Parisien revealed Mathias had been freed, before his lawyer confirmed to French TV channel BFMTV that his client had indeed been released.

It’s claimed the terms of his release mean he is banned from contacting Paul and his mother. He is also not allowed to leave France or use any form of social media.

Mathias, who has played for Crawley Town, Wrexham and Crewe, had an initial request to be released rejected in September. He is one of five people under investigation.

Former Man Utd midfielder Paul claimed in August he was the victim of an £11 million blackmail plot. But Mathias has insisted he is innocent. He has now been released after being held on the outskirts of Paris. It’s claimed he will live on his own in a family property in Paris.

Paul made extortion claims after Mathias uploaded videos on social media in August in which he made a series of allegations against his brother. They included accusing Paul of using a witch doctor to cast a spell on his France team-mate Kylian Mbappe.

Paul, 29, currently plays for Juventus after leaving United on a free transfer in the summer. He missed France’s run to the World Cup final due to injury.

• The Sun report