Fast food company threatens to sue Mbappé

A few days ago, Kylian Mbappé made the headlines for an off-the-field issue relating to his refusal to appear in publicity photo shoots with his national team. The PSG striker refuses to participate with companies that use the images of soccer players to promote sports betting or poor nutrition. “I have decided not to participate in the photo session after the refusal of the French federation to change the image rights agreement with the players,” he said.

Kentucky Fried Chicken, more widely known by its acronym KFC, is one of the French national team’s official sponsors and has reacted to the advertising scandal by issuing Mbappé a threat. The fast food company, through Alain Beral, one of its vice presidents, has condemned the PSG star’s attitude in rejecting being one of the principal faces of the campaign.

“We have paid a high price. If necessary, we will assert our rights”, said this senior executive, referring to the legal consequences that both Kylian Mbappé and the national team could face.

Possibility of reaching a deal

However, the fast food company then appeared to backtrack, and took issue with the manager for his excessive words. “KFC France regrets the words that were said yesterday and reported in the media this morning. These are personal opinions, but in no way reflect the position of the company. Alain Beral did not speak on behalf of the company, but in the context of a private conversation,” they explained.

KFC reiterated its willingness to reach an agreement with the French Football Federation (FFF) with the aim of “finding solutions” for both parties. “KFC has full confidence in the FFF’s ability to find satisfactory solutions for all its partners and players, including Kylian Mbappé, whose supporters we are among the first.” The highest body of French football announced that it will review the legal framework in which it established the obligation for footballers to participate in these sessions, although without its approval.