TOKYO, Japan — Rakuten and Konami Holdings, both sponsors of FC Barcelona, have spoken out against two players who appeared in a leaked video mocking Japanese hotel personnel.
Rakuten, the jersey sponsor of Barcelona, released a statement on Tuesday expressing its displeasure with the situation. "Under no circumstances can these types of activities be tolerated," the online retailer stated.
Rakuten Chairman and CEO Hiroshi Mikitani stated, "We will lodge an official protest against the club and seek an explanation."
"What kind of backward language is that?" Dembele can be heard wondering. and, while zooming in on the faces of the staff, "Are you technologically advanced in your country or not?" Griezmann is silent but smiles appreciatively. The video has gone viral on social media.
Since the video's release, both Dembele and Griezmann have apologised. 
FC Barcelona, a club partner for the company's Pro Evolution Soccer video games, will also be asked to "explain the details of this situation and its future activities," according to the group.
On the same day, FC Barcelona apologised on its website for the video's "displeasure among Japanese and Asian fans and partners.”
Growing investor interest in environmental, social, and governance issues has made firms more sensitive to such issues in recent years, which likely contributed to Rakuten and Konami's quick response to the video.