For more than thirty years, thousands of soccer players have appeared in video games without being compensated for the use of their picture. They now intend to assert their rights. Andrea Ferrato, general director of the union representing Italian soccer players, coaches, and sports trainers, made the announcement. "When we talk about image rights, we always think of great champions, but we forget that a soccer player is first and foremost an employee", Ferrato told Italian publication ItaliaOggi. "For years, players' images have been used, particularly in video games, with neither the athletes nor the clubs receiving adequate financial remuneration. Their appearance, physical traits, and technical capabilities have been utilized in a market worth billions of euros". This issue primarily affects lower-league professionals and, in certain situations, amateurs. "Messi and other top players have professional structures that protect their interests", Ferrato argues. "The scenario differs for the vast majority of soccer players. We gathered statements from hundreds of athletes, ranging from Serie A to Serie D, who stated that they had never received money for their images appearing in video games". Among them are members of Italy's 1982 World Cup-winning team and former international goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano. The matter is now expected to move to the civil courts.