The French Football Federation (FFF) have revealed that they will review the agreement on players’ image rights following media reports that star striker Kylian Mbappe had refused to take part in sponsor activities.
On Monday, ESPN reported that Mbappe refused to participate in a team photo and sponsor activities scheduled for Tuesday because he does not want to endorse some brands.
This includes fast food chains and betting companies that are under contract with the national team.
MBAPPE’s REMARKS
“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, according to ESPN.
The French federation said on Twitter on Monday that 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 between it and its selected players,” the statement added.
“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.”
It has been reported that a 45-minute meeting involving FFF president Noel Le Graet, players Hugo Lloris, Raphael Varane and Mbappe and head coach Didier Deschamps was held before training on Monday.
The players allegedly told Le Graet and Deschamps that they stood in solidarity with Mbappe and they too want to be consulted around sponsors for the national team so they do not clash with some of their own sponsors.
The meeting ended with all parties agreeing a change would be needed, with Mbappe having taken part in Tuesday’s sponsor activities.
France host Austria in the Nations League on Thursday and plays at Denmark three days later.
