Mbappé Leads Revolt as France Players Clash With Federation Over Betting Ads Before World Cup

France’s World Cup preparations have been overshadowed by a growing dispute between players and the French Football Federation, with anger mounting over the use of national team stars in a gambling advertisement just days before the tournament begins.

The issue centers on a promotional campaign for betting company Betclic, one of the federation’s commercial partners. According to French newspaper L’Équipe, several players were surprised to discover that photographs taken during a national team media session had been used in the campaign without their knowledge.

Five members of the squad appeared in the advertisement: Rayan Cherki, featured prominently, alongside Kylian Mbappé, Désiré Doué, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembélé.

Among those most upset are reportedly Mbappé and Cherki. The players believe the federation failed to respect an agreement signed in September 2023 that governs how sponsors may use the image rights of France internationals.

The disagreement is particularly sensitive for Mbappé, who has repeatedly expressed opposition to athletes promoting gambling products. The France captain has previously argued that footballers serve as role models and should consider the broader social consequences of the brands they endorse, especially in communities where gambling addiction has caused significant harm.

Those involved in the dispute are said to hold the federation responsible rather than Betclic itself. Their frustration stems from the belief that federation officials approved the use of the images despite the existing agreement intended to regulate such commercial activities.

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The latest controversy arrives against a backdrop of already strained relations between the squad and federation leadership.

In recent weeks, disagreements had reportedly emerged over the distribution of collective World Cup bonuses and the number of tournament tickets players would be allowed to allocate to family members and friends. While neither issue became a public confrontation, they contributed to growing tensions behind the scenes.

The dispute over the Betclic campaign appears to have intensified that frustration. According to L’Équipe, teammates have rallied behind the players who objected to the advertising campaign, creating a rare point of unity within the squad.

For now, however, the group has agreed not to escalate the conflict publicly. With the World Cup approaching, players are determined to avoid distractions that could derail preparations for the tournament.

That truce may only be temporary.

The report suggests that several members of the squad are prepared to challenge the federation more aggressively once the World Cup concludes, potentially setting the stage for a broader confrontation over player rights and commercial partnerships.

The timing is particularly awkward for French football, which has a long history of championship-era turmoil. The most notorious example remains the 2010 World Cup, when tensions between players and officials erupted into the Knysna affair, culminating in a player strike after striker Nicolas Anelka was sent home from the tournament.

No such dramatic rupture appears imminent. Yet the latest dispute serves as a reminder that even one of football’s most talented squads is not immune to internal conflict.

France faces Northern Ireland in a final friendly on Monday before opening its World Cup campaign against Senegal on June 16. Matches against Iraq and Norway will complete the group stage.

The focus, at least publicly, remains on football. Behind the scenes, relations between the players and their federation appear to be entering another difficult chapter.

Mbappé Leads Revolt as France Players Clash With Federation Over Betting Ads Before World Cup

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