Soccer-KFC threatens legal action over Mbappe's sponsorship stance

KFC Holdings Japan

21/09/2022 09:48

PARIS, Sept 21 (Reuters) - A senior executive of KFC's
operations in France said 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.
    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;)
 ((julien.pretot@thomsonreuters.com; +33149495370;))