Razeen Gutta
KFC’s French operations have threatened legal action after PSG forward Kylian Mbappe refused to honour his national team sponsorship commitments.
Mbappe chose not to partake in the national team photoshoot this week as he did not want to endorse some of the brands, including KFC as well as other fast food chains and betting companies.
“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.
Given that KFC is one of the companies contracted to the national team, an executive of the chain has said that they were considering taking action.
“We have paid for something … If necessary, we will assert our rights,” vice president of KFC France Alain Beral told Sport Business Club.
“The French Football Federation (FFF) needs money and KFC [has agreed] to pay to have an image of what we are paying for.
Mbappe “is committed with the Federation to produce a collective image with at least four other players. We’re going to stop paying and then that’s it.
“We are going to follow this very closely because there is no question of having signed a contract which is not respected.”
However, in a statement later issued by the fast food chain, KFC backtracked on the ideas expressed by Beral.
“KFC France regrets the words that were spoken yesterday. These are personal opinions, but in no way reflect the position of the company. Partnership with the French Football Federation has always been a source of pride for us,” the statement said.
The FFF have responded to Mbappe’s request to change the image rights agreement, saying that it would be revised.
Image source: @InsideSport
