Diego Maradona to Take Legal Action Against Konami for PES 2017 Likeness Use

Diego Maradona will take legal action againat Japanese video game developer Konami for using his likeness without permission in Pro Evolution Soccer 2017.

The former Argentina, Barcelona and Napoli great confirmed the announcement via his official Facebook page on Friday, even going so far as to provide a screenshot of his 97-rated in-game player:

Luke Plunkett of Kotaku recently reported this incarnation of Maradona is the best player on the game, rather easily eclipsing 94-rated compatriot Lionel Messi.

His report also touched upon Konami's previous attempts to avoid likeness licensing by giving players like Maradona a different although somewhat similar name, such as "Malgani."

However, it seems taking a more realistic approach with one of the most famous faces in football could have repercussions, particularly as Maradona has previously won in cases against gaming companies, per solicitor Daniel Draper of Farleys.

Just as Pro Evolution Soccer could be preparing to take a hit, professional FIFA player Kurt0411Fifa provided evidence to suggest rival game FIFA 17 could be ready to release the licensed version of Maradona:

EA Sports are yet to officially confirm or deny whether Maradona would be making an appearance as a legend in their game, although the code points toward the Argentinian ace making an appearance.

It could only further compound Konami's alleged failure to properly license the retired legend if FIFA were to legitimately secure Maradona's likeness.

That being said, Konami may have a lifeline after Game Rant's Bob Gordon reported a deal signed with Barcelona in 2016 also entitled the developer to use of the club's legends, one of whom is of course Maradona.

The company recently released trailers for the addition of these legends, although Maradona does not appear among this group.

If Maradona was included as part of Konami's deal with Barcelona, he and his representatives may not have been aware, although the released trailers suggest the Argentinian legend's resemblance was used outside that agreement.