French football legend Patrice Evra has been handed a suspended 12-month prison sentence for abandoning his family. The former Manchester United left-back was found guilty of neglecting his wife, Sandra Evra, and their two children for a period of two years.
Troubled separation: Patrice Evra-Sandra Evra
According to French newspaper Le Parisien, the court ruled that Patrice Evra had abandoned his family between May 2021 and September 2023. The verdict also stated that the footballer owed his wife over €969,000 (£813,640) in unpaid alimony.
Patrice Evra and Sandra separated in 2020, and divorce proceedings are ongoing. However, the financial disputes between the former couple have escalated, leading to this legal battle.
Patrice Evra appeal
The 43-year-old has vehemently denied the allegations and has already lodged an appeal against the sentence. Patrice Evra’s lawyer, Jerome Boursican, argued that the footballer had provided substantial financial support to his wife, including an apartment, a house with a swimming pool, and a loan of almost two million euros.
Boursican claims that Sandra Evra has refused to return the loaned money, which is the primary cause of the legal conflict.
A complex situation
Despite the legal proceedings, Patrice Evra has moved on with his life and is now engaged to Margaux Alexandra, with whom he shares two children.
The case highlights the complexities of high-profile divorces and the challenges faced by families when relationships break down. As the legal battle continues, the full extent of the situation between Evra and Sandra is likely to unfold.
It remains to be seen how the appeal will progress and what the final outcome will be.
