Milan consider image rights deals in players’ contracts – what it means

RedBird Capital have shown their determination to make AC Milan a media enterprise in addition to a football club since taking over, and their latest idea pertains to image rights.

La Gazzetta dello Sport begin a report by stating that the capsule collection dedicated to Rafael Leao was a success. The baseball-style jerseys, oversized t-shirts and sweatshirts were all produced with a streetwear vibe to appeal to new generations.

From a commercial point of view, Leao sold the license to Milan, receiving in exchange a percentage of the sales. In the future the Rossoneri could make this type of partnership structural. Inside the club, the leaders are starting to think about the possibility of including image rights in the contracts of footballers, at least those who have a certain appeal off the pitch.

Milan, like almost all clubs, always keep the commercial exploitation of the athlete out of the contracts that regulate the employment relationship (as an employee). Image rights are usually retained by the athlete who uses them independently.

This is due to the agreement stipulated in 1981 between the FIGC, the Leagues and the AIC which, in article 1, states: ‘Footballers are recognized as having the right to use their image in any lawful and decent form, including for direct or indirect profit-making purposes, provided that it is not associated with the names, colours, shirts, symbols or insignia of the club to which it belongs or of other clubs of the National League or National League Serie C, and provided that it does not take place during official football activities’.