Kylian Mbappé refuses to be part of photo shoot with France
According to L’Équipe, the FFF will not modify the image rights for the next World Cup despite the wishes of Mbappé.
On 22 March, Kylian Mbappé refused to participate in a publicity event for the French national team. The PSG forward, in agreement with his lawyer, believes that international players should have a right to be able to control the brands with which they are associated.
Mbappé's decision comes after reports that the FFF did not intend to change the image rights agreement with national team players, which had been a point of contention with the PSG player since he initiated the boycott.
According to information from L’Équipe, the highest body in French football is not going to change their sponsorship contract to which the players who are going to the World Cup in Qatar must adhere. Noël Le Graet, president of the French Football Federation, had a meeting in June with Mbappé's mother and his lawyer, Delphine Verheyden, to settle the rights of image.
Mbappé's lawyers, days later, wrote a statement in which they assured that they had to change the contracts to adapt to the sport: “It was assured that this agreement, drawn up in 2010, must be modified to be up to date with the evolution of sport and communication methods. The meetings will be intensified to reach a new version of the agreement before the next World Cup (November 20 - December 18)”. This report was not finally validated by the French Football Federation nor will it be validated before the World Cup.
Bigger pot for France players
On Monday, the day on which the French team get together for international duty, Noël Le Graet will have a meeting with the members of the France squad to talk about image rights. According to L’Équipe, the president of the Federation has revealed that FIFA’s profits for the World Cup (30% donated to players and staff) have increased. A total of $440 million will be distributed.
One of the main talking points in France over this last international break before the World Cup will be Mbappé's attitude towards the photos with sponsors of the French team. The player’s entourage, according to L’Équipe, preferred to remain silent when asked if he will be involved in such acts. The image rights, in addition, were a crucial aspect in the negotiations for his renewal with PSG.