KFC Exec's Legal Action Threat after Mbappe Refuses to be in Team Photo Amid Row Over Photo Rights
- 2 years ago
KFC France distanced itself from comments from a senior executive who said the fast-food chain could take legal action over striker Kylian Mbappe's refusal to participate in some of the French team's sponsorship commitments.
Alain Beral, vice president of KFC France, told the Sport Business Club website that they were considering taking legal action, although he did not specify whether it would be against the player or the French Football Federation.
“We have paid for something clear. If necessary, we will assert our rights,” Beral said.
However, KFC France later said that Beral's comments did not reflect the company's views.
"KFC France regrets the words that were spoken yesterday and reported in the media this morning. These are personal opinions, but in no way reflect the company's position," he said in a statement to Reuters.
"KFC France also wishes to clarify that Alain Beral did not speak on behalf of the company, but in the context of a private conversation during an event related to his duties as president of the National Basketball League.
"The partnership between KFC and the French Football Federation (FFF) has always been a source of pride for the company. KFC France has full confidence in the FFF's ability to find satisfactory solutions for all its partners and players, including Kylian Mbappe, whose followers we are among the first in France".
Mbappe had refused to take part in a team photo shoot and sponsorship activities scheduled for Tuesday because he did not want to endorse some brands, including fast food chains and betting companies, that have contracts with the national team.
"I have decided not to participate in the photo session following the French federation's refusal to change the image rights agreement with the players," Mbappe said in a statement.
The federation said it would "review... the image rights agreement between it and its selected players."
France hosts Austria in the Nations League on Thursday and plays in Denmark three days later.
Alain Beral, vice president of KFC France, told the Sport Business Club website that they were considering taking legal action, although he did not specify whether it would be against the player or the French Football Federation.
“We have paid for something clear. If necessary, we will assert our rights,” Beral said.
However, KFC France later said that Beral's comments did not reflect the company's views.
"KFC France regrets the words that were spoken yesterday and reported in the media this morning. These are personal opinions, but in no way reflect the company's position," he said in a statement to Reuters.
"KFC France also wishes to clarify that Alain Beral did not speak on behalf of the company, but in the context of a private conversation during an event related to his duties as president of the National Basketball League.
"The partnership between KFC and the French Football Federation (FFF) has always been a source of pride for the company. KFC France has full confidence in the FFF's ability to find satisfactory solutions for all its partners and players, including Kylian Mbappe, whose followers we are among the first in France".
Mbappe had refused to take part in a team photo shoot and sponsorship activities scheduled for Tuesday because he did not want to endorse some brands, including fast food chains and betting companies, that have contracts with the national team.
"I have decided not to participate in the photo session following the French federation's refusal to change the image rights agreement with the players," Mbappe said in a statement.
The federation said it would "review... the image rights agreement between it and its selected players."
France hosts Austria in the Nations League on Thursday and plays in Denmark three days later.