Kylian Mbappe smiles but not for the camera after refusing to take part in team photoshoot

France striker is involved in a row with the French Football Federation that risks damaging squad morale

France forwards Kylian Mbappe, left, and Antoine Griezmann attend a training session in Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines on September 20, 2022 as part of the team's preparation for the upcoming Uefa Nations League fixtures. AFP

France's forward Olivier Giroud, left, shares a joke with goalkeeper Alban Lafont. AFP

France defenders Benoit Badiashile, William Saliba, Adrien Truffert and forward Randal Kolo Munani during training. France face Austria at Stade de France on Friday before travelling to Denmark on Sunday. AFP

France defender Benoit Badiashile controls the ball. AFP

Kylian Mbappe attends a training session in Clairefontaine-en-Yveline. AFP

France forward Randal Kolo Munani, goalkeeper Alban Lafont, defender Dayot Upamecano and midfielder Youssouf Fofana. AFP

Antoine Griezmann, left, high-fives Kylian Mbappe. AFP

France midfielder Youssouf Fofan, centre, watches the ball. AFP

France head coach Didier Deschamps speaks with his staff. AFP

France players attends a training session in Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines. AFP

France forward Ousmane Dembele jokes with Kylian Mbappe. AFP

France head coach Didier Deschamps. AFP

France forward Olivier Giroud, left, during training. AFP

France forward Kylian Mbappe controls the ball. AFP

France forward Kylian Mbappe smiles next to head coach Didier Deschamps. AFP

Paris Saint-Germain's French forward Kylian Mbappe. AFP

Just two months before France begin their defence of the World Cup, the mood around the team is in stark contrast to the celebrations that followed their win over Croatia in the 2018 final.

The clouds have been gathering over coach Didier Deschamps and his squad as key players struggle with injuries and personal problems.

Meanwhile the French Football Federation (FFF) is locked in a row over image rights with its biggest star and its president faces accusations of inappropriate behaviour.

It all threatens to derail France's campaign in Qatar.

Kylian Mbappe — a goalscorer in the 4-2 World Cup final win over Croatia — is involved in a row with the FFF that risks damaging squad morale.

On Monday, their get-together at the chateau of Clairefontaine, an hour's drive from Paris, was overshadowed by the Paris Saint-Germain striker's refusal to participate in a photo shoot because of the FFF's unwillingness to modify an agreement regarding players' image rights.

Mbappe has boycotted a shoot before, and on Monday the federation responded quickly, promising to "revise as soon as possible the agreement".

Mbappe's representatives insisted the matter "obviously does not call into question his total commitment and determination to contribute to the collective success of the national team".

Meanwhile, the FFF's veteran 80-year-old president is in the firing line.

Noel Le Graet was last week summoned to a meeting with the country's Sports Minister, Amelie Oudea-Castera. The government then announced it was launching an audit of the federation.

That came after So Foot magazine published accusations that the FFF suffered from organisational problems and that some former employees had alleged they had not been treated properly.

One accusation is that Le Graet sent text messages of a salacious nature to female employees.

The federation has launched legal action against the magazine.

Le Graet has denied the allegations and told Le Monde newspaper this month that "there aren't any text messages".

"It's not the calmest atmosphere that I have known," admitted Deschamps.

France are in Uefa Nations League action on Thursday when they host Austria at Stade de France before travelling to face Denmark on Sunday.