Mbappe and Cherki upset by France image-rights dispute

Kylian Mbappe and Rayan Cherki are reported to be unhappy with the French Football Federation over the use of players’ image rights ahead of the World Cup.

According to L’Équipe, the federation made photos of several France internationals available for an advertising campaign linked to a sports betting company. Mbappe and Cherki are said to have objected to their images being used without full knowledge of how the material would appear in the final promotion.

Desire Doue, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele also featured in the campaign. The photos were taken during a shoot at France’s Clairefontaine training camp, but the players were not aware of the exact commercial use, the report says.

Sources close to the national team say the irritation is aimed at the federation rather than the betting partner. Mbappe and Cherki are said to want a formal explanation and clearer handling of the matter, with a correction or withdrawal still possible, although any action may be delayed until after the World Cup starts.

The row has reportedly created a very tense atmosphere in the France camp as Didier Deschamps’ side prepare to face Senegal, Iraq and Norway in the group stage.