Soccer-KFC France distances itself from executive comments on Mbappe's sponsorship stance (updated)

KFC Holdings Japan

21/09/2022 12:35

(Releads with KFC France statement)
    PARIS, Sept 21 (Reuters) - KFC France distanced itself from
comments from a senior executive saying the fast food chain may
take legal action over forward Kylian Mbappe's refusal to take
part in some of the French national team's sponsorship
commitments.
    Alain Beral, vice president of KFC France, told the Sport
Business Club website that they were considering legal action,
though he did not specify whether this would be against the
player or the French Football Federation.
    "We have paid for something clear. If necessary, we will
assert our rights," said Beral.
    KFC France, however, 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 position of the company," it 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 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."
    Mbappe had refused to participate in a team photo shoot and
sponsor activities scheduled for Tuesday as 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 to not take part in the photo shoot after
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 host Austria in the Nations League on Thursday and
play at Denmark three days later.

 (Reporting by Julien Pretot; Editing by Peter Rutherford and
Christian Radnedge)
 ((julien.pretot@thomsonreuters.com; +33149495370;))