Mbappe, Cherki reportedly upset over FFF image rights deal with Betclic
Paris, June 7
French football stars Kylian Mbappe and Rayan Cherki have reportedly expressed displeasure over a recent decision by the French Football Federation regarding the use of their image rights.
According to L'Equipe, as cited by Goal.com, the two forwards were unhappy after the FFF allegedly granted their images to Betclic, a sports-betting operator, for promotional purposes. The move has reportedly created tension within the national team camp.
The report adds that both players were concerned about the use of their images in a campaign for a betting company, an official partner of the FFF.
Other French internationals, including Desire Doue, Michael Olise, and Ousmane Dembele, were also featured in the advert. The images were reportedly captured during a photoshoot at Clairefontaine, the team's traditional training centre, but the players claim they were not informed about the intended use.
Mbappe and Cherki clarified that their grievance is not with the betting operator, but with the FFF, which they say failed to properly communicate the campaign. The duo is reportedly seeking an explanation and a retraction, though any resolution may not come before the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
France are scheduled to start their Group I campaign against Senegal on June 16, followed by matches against Iraq and Norway.
France's FIFA World Cup squad:
Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan, Robin Risser, Brice Samba.
Defenders: Lucas Digne, Malo Gusto, Lucas Hernandez, Theo Hernandez, Ibrahima Konate, Jules Kounde, Maxence Lacroix, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano.
Midfielders: N'Golo Kante, Manu Kone, Adrien Rabiot, Aurelien Tchouameni, Warren Zaire-Emery.
Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche, Bradley Barcola, Rayan Cherki, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, Marcus Thuram.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Look at the French team dynamics! While we debate about our own image rights in Indian football, this shows even European stars face similar issues. Hope FFF resolves this amicably before the World Cup 🤞
As an Indian football fan, I find this fascinating. Our players must learn from Mbappe and Cherki - they know their worth and are fighting for it. The FFF should be transparent with their stars. Betting adverts on football shirts are bad enough, but using players' images without proper consent is unethical.
Honestly, in England and India, we have strict guidelines about gambling ads. France should have consulted the players first. Mbappe is right to be upset - he's the face of French football now. Hope they fix this before the tournament starts 🙏
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