Mateta takes Crystal Palace to FIFA, argues that the final year of his contract is void

Jean-Philippe Mateta has taken his contract dispute with Crystal Palace to FIFA, arguing that the final year of his current deal is invalid, according to the Daily Mail.

The France international believes Palace’s decision to activate a 12-month extension in 2024 was not valid, meaning he should have become a free agent this summer.

Mateta’s contract is currently due to expire at the end of the 2026/27 season, but the 29-year-old has challenged the validity of the additional year.

An independent tribunal operating under Premier League rules first considered his case before it was taken to FIFA.

However, FIFA ruled earlier this week that it does not have the jurisdiction to overturn the existing contract, leaving Mateta’s case unresolved.

The dispute comes at a crucial time for the striker, with clubs showing interest in his services ahead of the transfer window deadline.

Crystal Palace have already rejected an enquiry from Aston Villa for Mateta this week, while more approaches are expected in the final days of the window.

After angling for a move last season, Palace eventually allowed him to leave, only for him to fail his medical with AC Milan and return with his tail tucked between his legs.

Now, he is at it again, and the Eagles need to let him go, as his contributions on the pitch are no longer worth the fuss.

Just before Dewsbury-Hall scored to give Everton the lead in the 2-0 win over Palace on Premier League matchday 1, Mateta had missed a glorious chance to give his side the lead.

He missed another one later on, a theme of last season that looks set to continue this term if Palace force him to stay. They should be facilitating his exit.

The forward initially joined Palace from Mainz on an 18-month loan before making the move permanent in January 2022.

Mateta signed a four-and-a-half-year contract containing an option for another 12 months.

Palace exercised that option in 2024, extending his stay into the 2026/27 campaign.

Mateta’s argument now centres on whether that extension was legally enforceable, although FIFA’s ruling means his current contract remains in place.