Mateta contract dispute with Crystal Palace deepens after tribunal and FIFA setbacks

Jean-Philippe Mateta’s dispute with Crystal Palace over the final year of his contract has intensified after attempts to challenge the deal failed to secure his release. The Guardian reports that the France striker took the matter to an independent tribunal operating under Premier League regulations and also made a claim to FIFA.

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Mateta joined Palace permanently from Mainz in January 2022 following an initial loan. His four-and-a-half-year agreement included an option for a further 12 months, which Palace activated in 2024. The club’s position is that the extension is valid and that Mateta is contracted until the end of the current season.

According to The Guardian, the 29-year-old and his representatives disputed whether Palace had validly activated that final year. Official confirmation of the Premier League tribunal’s decision has not been made public, but Palace continue to insist that the contract is binding. FIFA rejected Mateta’s claim after determining that it did not have jurisdiction over the dispute. His representative was approached for comment by the newspaper.

The contractual disagreement comes as Mateta seeks a move away from Selhurst Park. The Guardian reports that Aston Villa have shown interest, while Palace retained the forward through the opening match of their campaign. Mateta played in Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Everton and struck the post during the game.

A proposed move to Milan collapsed in January after Mateta failed a medical because of a knee issue, despite the Italian club having agreed a fee of about £30 million. He then spent two months out before returning as Palace went on to win the Conference League. The latest legal setbacks leave any departure dependent on Palace agreeing terms while the club continues to regard him as its player.

Palace also face other squad questions late in the transfer window. Manager Pierre Sage said Ismaïla Sarr missed the Everton defeat with groin pain and rejected reports that the winger had refused to travel, adding that Palace do not want him to leave. The club are also awaiting tests on Chadi Riad after the defender was carried off with a knee injury at Everton.