PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN superstar Kylian Mbappe has been threatened with legal action by an executive of fast food giant KFC.
Mbappe refused to take part in some of the French national team’s sponsorship commitments.
Alain Beral, vice president of KFC France, said: “We have paid for something clear. If necessary, we will assert our rights.”
Beral did not say whether any action would be against Mbappe or the French Football Federation.
The star striker had declined to participate in a team photoshoot and sponsor activities ahead of France’s Nations League clash with Austria tonight, citing issues with players’ image rights.
However, KFC France later distanced itself from Beral’s recent comments.
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The company told Reuters: "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 position of the company.
"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 functions 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 every confidence in the FFF's ability to find satisfactory solutions for all of its partners and players, including Kylian Mbappe, whose supporters we are among the first in France."
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According to ESPN, Mbappe refused to take part in photo shoots and sponsor activities on Tuesday because he did not want to endorse some brands, such as fast food chains and betting companies.
Mbappe said: "I have decided to not take part in the photo shoot after the French federation's refusal to change the image rights agreement with the players."
The federation stated it would "review" the image rights agreement "between it and its selected players".
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