Kylian Mbappe to pay FIFA fine after breaking rule at World Cup

Kylian Mbappe has offered to pay a fine on France’s behalf following his refusal to speak to the media at the World Cup.

The 23-year-old scored twice in France’s 3-1 win over Poland on Sunday, which has set up a thrilling quarter-final tie against England this Saturday.

Mbappe has been France’s standout performer during the tournament and is now the favourite to win the Golden Boot having scored five goals in the competition so far.

But until the win over Poland in the last 16, Mbappe had avoided his post-match media duties as speculation grows over his future with Paris Saint-Germain.

Mbappe had been expected by FIFA to attend a post-match press conference after being named Player of the Match in two of France’s group games but the striker refused to show up.

FIFA are now in a position to fine the French Football Federation (FFF) for Mbappe’s repeated no-shows but the forward, who has also been hiding Budweiser’s name when posing for photos with his Player of the Match trophy because he does not want to promote alcohol, is offering to pick up the tab.

‘People have been asking why I haven’t appeared in front of the media,’ Mbappe said after France beat Poland on Sunday.

‘I just needed to focus on the tournament and on football.

‘When I want to concentrate, that is how I do it. I heard the FFF is going to get fined, so I will pay it as I don’t think the FFF should pay on my behalf.

‘This is the competition of dreams and I’m delighted to be here and I wanted to be ready. I’ve been preparing all season, physically and mentally, but we are still a long way from the ultimate objective.’

Mbappe also insists that winning the Golden Boot is not his main focus as France now prepare for a tough test against England in the quarter-final on Saturday.

‘The only objective for me is to win the World Cup,’ Mbappe said.

‘I came here to win the World Cup, not the Golden Boot. That’s not why I’m here.

‘I’m here to win with the team. If I win the Golden Boot, then I’d obviously be happy, but the team is the most important thing.

‘We’re delighted to reach the quarter-finals. We scored the goals at important moments and we ended up winning, so we’re delighted with that.’

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