In a follow-up to the story we previously covered, Legendary Diego Maradona is indeed suing PES 2017 publisher Konami for using his likeness without his permission.
In a post on his official Facebook page, the ex-Argentina and Barcelona star–considered by many to be the greatest footballer ever–said he “heard yesterday that the Japanese company Konami uses my image for its game PES 2017. My lawyer Matias Morla will initiate the corresponding legal actions,” the statement continues, before concluding, “I hope this is not another scam.”
Maradona’s image is used in PES 2017’s myClub mode, in which players work to build the ideal team comprised of both current and ex-pros. Maradona was considered the player of his generation, with a 21-year long career from 1976 to 1997. He broke the world record tranfer fee twice, won countless trophies, and was deemed FIFA’s Player of the Century in 2000.
Konami has since released a statement in response to Maradona’s claim. As reported by Kotaku, Konami claims that Maradona’s likeness has been used properly.
The statement reads, “At this time, there have been news that in Winning Eleven 2017 (international title: PES 2017 Pro Evolution Soccer) there is one player that is being used without permission; however, our company is using [this player] appropriately, with the basis of the license within the contract.”
