Why Kylian Mbappe is Forbidden from Wearing His New Mask for France at the Tournament

• France international Kylian Mbappe arrived in France training with a customised mask after his injury on Monday
• But the Real Madrid superstar will have to wear a single-coloured mask during matches at Euro 2024 due to UEFA rule
• The 2018 World Cup winner is expected to be available for Les Bleus’ game against the Netherlands on Friday

France captain Kylian Mbappe has been seen donning a new mask during France’s Euro 2024 training sessions, though he won’t be permitted to wear it in actual matches.

The 25-year-old sustained a broken nose after a clash with Austrian defender Kevin Danso during Monday’s 1-0 victory.

This injury forced the new Real Madrid signing to leave the game early, raising doubts about his participation in the rest of the group stage.

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While it remains uncertain if Mbappe will play against the Netherlands on Friday, coach Didier Deschamps mentioned in his pre-match briefing that the forward is “feeling better.”

On Thursday, the ex-PSG star trained wearing a mask adorned with the French flag’s colours—white, red, and blue.

However, this particular mask does not meet the criteria set by UEFA for match play at Euro 2024.

What does the football law say about masks?

According to Sky Sports, UEFA regulations dictate that medical equipment, including masks, must be a single color and devoid of any team or manufacturer logos.

The specific rule states:

“Medical equipment (e.g., head protection, face masks, casts, kneepads, or knee braces) worn on the field of play must be a single color and free of team and manufacturer identification. Items worn on legs and arms should match the color of the corresponding playing attire item (e.g., elbow pads or tape on the arm should match shirt sleeves, and kneepads should match shorts).”

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The French Football Federation needs to ensure that any mask Mbappe wears complies with UEFA’s rules before the game in Leipzig, scheduled for 8 pm on Friday.

The Athletic also reports that compliant masks have already been prepared. The consequences of violating these regulations remain unclear, but it appears that the necessary precautions are being taken to avoid any issues.

Mbappe shares moment with Euro 2024 mascots

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Kylian Mbappe was given a wholesome welcome by the mascots of the game between France and Austria in the Group D opener at the European Championship in Germany.

The new Real Madrid signing’s deflected shot resulted in an own goal which gave the former champions a 1-0 victory in Dusseldorf on Monday, June 17, 2024.

Late in the game, the France captain was replaced by Olivier Giroud after suffering a broken nose, forcing him to leave the pitch with blood oozing all over his face.