Footballer Griezmann loses video game sponsor in Japan racism row

Konami announced its decision to cancel their ‘Yu-Gi-Oh!’ partnership with Griezmann (pic), after the release of a video showing the French forward mocking Asian people in a hotel with teammate Dembele. — AFP

PARIS: Japanese video games firm Konami said on July 7 it was dropping French striker Antoine Griezmann as a brand ambassador over a racism row involving the Barcelona striker and teammate Ousmane Dembele.

“Previously we had announced Antoine Griezmann as our Yu-Gi-Oh! contents ambassador, however in light of recent events we have decided to cancel the contract,” the firm said in a statement alluding to a manga gaming series.