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Football

20th Sep 2022

Kylian Mbappe ‘refused to participate’ in France team photoshoot

Simon Lloyd

The FFF have announced they will review the situation surrounding players’ image rights

Kylian Mbappe reportedly refused to take part in a photoshoot with the France national side on Tuesday over a long-running dispute with the French Football Federation (FFF) over players’ image rights.

Earlier in the year, the 23-year-old led some of his international teammates in boycotting some of Les Bleus’ official commercial partners.

According to Get French Football News (via Daily Mail), Mbappe was reluctant to be associated with gambling firms and fast-food companies, which prompted him to make his feelings known to the FFF.

The FFF has, however, acted swiftly to address Mbappe’s concerns. On Monday a statement was released which made clear that a review of the way in which players’ image rights were handled would be forthcoming.

‘Following conclusive discussions with the French team’s executives, the president, the coach and a marketing manager, the FFF has undertaken to revise, as soon as possible, the agreement on image rights that binds it to its national team players,’ the statement reads.

‘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.’

Following the statement, some reports now claim that Mbappe, who agreed a lucrative deal to prolong his stay with Qatar-owned Paris Saint-Germain last summer, has agreed to take part in media events as a result.

All of Mbappe’s earnings from the French national team – including bonuses and image rights – are believed to go to charity.

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