Rugby: Suspicions Surrounding Image Rights Contracts of Dupont and Jelonch with Stade Toulousain
An investigation by L'Équipe suggests questionable image rights contracts for rugby players Dupont and Jelonch linked to Stade Toulousain.
An investigation published by the sports newspaper L'Équipe raises serious concerns over image rights contracts involving rugby internationals Antoine Dupont and Anthony Jelonch with Stade Toulousain. The report suggests that both players entered into multiyear contracts with the airport services company 3S-Alyzia, a sponsor of Stade Toulousain. Despite these contracts, the company reportedly did not use the personal images of Dupont and Jelonch as initially intended.
The financial implications of these questionable contracts are notable, particularly for Antoine Dupont, who is reported to have received over 1.5 million euros, while fellow player Anthony Jelonch earned 170,000 euros from similar agreements. This situation indicates potential discrepancies in sponsorship practices and raises questions about transparency in financial dealings within the professional rugby sector, especially following the recent transfer controversy involving another player, Melvyn Jaminet.
As the investigation unfolds, there is likely to be increased scrutiny on these contracts and their compliance with regulatory standards in the sports industry. The revelations could have broader implications for the management of sponsorship agreements and athletes' image rights, paving the way for regulatory changes designed to ensure better oversight in contract negotiations across the rugby landscape.