September 20 – The French Football Federation has agreed to review its agreement on players’ image rights following reports that star striker Kylian Mbappe has refused to take part in national team sponsorship activities.
Mbappe donates all the money he makes from France’s sponsors to charity but has apparently refused to participate in a team photo scheduled for today because he is morally uncomfortable at being forced to represent certain brands.
The French team are sponsored by companies that include fast food chains and betting companies. The FFF struck an €8 million deal with online sports betting company Betclic last year running through until the 2026 World Cup. The federation also have ties with KFC, Uber Eats and Coca-Cola
“I have decided to not take part in the photo shoot after the French federation’s refusal to change the image rights agreement with the players,” Mbappe said in a statement.
The FFF said on Twitter it held discussions with the team’s executives, the president, the coach and a marketing manager.
“… The French Football Federation undertakes to review, as soon as possible, the image rights agreement that binds it to national team players,” the statement said.
“The FFF is looking forward to working on the outlines of a new agreement that will allow it to secure its interests while taking into account the legitimate concerns and convictions unanimously expressed by its players.”
France host Austria in the Nations League on Thursday and play at Denmark three days later.
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