French Football Federation to review image rights agreement after Mbappe’s photo-session refusal

Paris: The French Football Federation on Tuesday announced that they will be reviewing the image rights agreement after star footballer Kylian Mbappe reportedly refused to participate in a team photo and sponsor activities.

The French Football Federation has announced an exclusive partnership with Konami Digital Entertainment B.V., a major global player in video game publishing, until 2026. This contract includes image and activation rights allowing Konami to become the official football video game partner of the French team.

According to an ESPN report, Mbappe refused to participate in a team photo and sponsor activity scheduled for Tuesday because he does not want to endorse some brands, including fast food chains and betting companies, that are under contract with the national team.

“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 also said that it will be looking forward to working on a fresh agreement that will protect its interests while taking into account the concerns and convictions of the players.

“The FFF is looking forward to working on the outlines of a new agreement that will enable it to protect its interests while taking into consideration the legitimate concerns and convictions unanimously expressed by the players,” the federation said.

–IANS