Mbappé and Cherki unhappy over Betclic advert as France image row grows | OneFootball

According to L'Équipe, the use of France players’ images, including Kylian Mbappé, in a Betclic advert has angered several of those involved.

A collective agreement, signed in September 2023 after months of talks between players’ lawyers and the FFF, was meant to govern sponsor appearances.

Before Thursday’s 1-2 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire, Betclic posted online an advert featuring five players, Rayan Cherki, Kylian Mbappé, Désiré Doué, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembélé.

The players contest the use, saying they were not informed how the recent selection photos would be deployed. Mbappé and Cherki were especially unhappy and have not wished to promote sports betting.

Mbappé has repeatedly warned about the risks, citing disagreements over junk food and betting promotions, and saying gambling harms communities he knows.

His lawyer, Delphine Verheyden, has argued players’ images are tied to values and that campaigns should align with them, given their influence on young fans.

Betclic is within its rights under the 2023 convention, which allows collective use when at least five players appear together with rotation. After rows over post-World Cup bonuses and ticket allocations, the squad will avoid escalation until the 11 June to 19 July tournament. Protests could follow and the FFF has until September to calm tensions.

Source: L'Équipe