Italy’s Serie A is the only one among Europe’s top-five leagues which does not collectivise its video game licensing rights. Premier League clubs, for example, sell their licensing rights for video games collectively.

In other cases, the names, likenesses might be held by an individual player himself, his club or the national federation. For countries which are not members, FIFPro may strike special deals. What are the current rules for EA Sports acquiring the image rights of players?įIFPro negotiates a collective bargaining agreement with video games’ manufacturers and usually passes the money to national unions to pay the players. These deals therefore are negotiated as the parties see fit. The “image”, however, can be exploited collectively - by broadcasters and clubs as a group of players - as well as by individually through third parties, sponsors and, again, the club. FIFA 21 is the official video game of both AC Milan and Tottenham. This can include commitments to broadcasters, team sponsors, social media activities and, yes, a video game. With footballers increasingly part of the entertainment and brand space, clubs look to acquire high-profile players and monetise them to boost revenue. The tussle over image rights points to the changing dynamic between a club and a signed player. Image rights can be used by brands if they sign a deal with a player, but it can get a little more complicated when football clubs or other such teams come into the picture. What are image rights?Ī player’s image comprises name, nicknames, likeness, image, photograph, signature, autograph, initials, statements, endorsement, physical details, voice and other personal characteristics. Our big gripe is that Fifa are coming out with lots of rules and regulations saying that they are looking after the best interests of players but obviously they don’t,” Barnett said.Īccording to The Athletic, several leading players are poised to follow suit and protest against the use of their likeness. “At the moment, the players don’t get paid.

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