Mateta challenges Crystal Palace contract via FIFA
French forward Jean-Philippe Mateta is seeking to invalidate the final year of his contract, potentially opening the door to free agency.
Матета, gettyimages
Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta has escalated a dispute regarding his contract to FIFA, reports BBC Sport. The 29-year-old Frenchman is challenging the validity of the final year of his deal, which is officially set to run until the summer of 2027.
The club exercised a contract extension option in December 2024, but the player contends that this activation is invalid. The case was previously reviewed by an independent tribunal under Premier League regulations, yet no final decision has been reached. Following that, Mateta filed a complaint with FIFA.
According to reports, the international governing body indicated that disputes regarding the cancellation of individual contracts fall outside its jurisdiction. Should the deal be declared invalid, the forward would be eligible to leave as a free agent.
Mateta has been with Crystal Palace since 2021, initially joining on loan from Mainz before the move was made permanent. Last season, he recorded 16 goals and 3 assists in 50 appearances for the London side.