EPL: Mateta takes Crystal Palace contract dispute to FIFA – Reports

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Crystal Palace striker, Jean-Philippe Mateta, has taken a dispute over the validity of his contract to FIFA.

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The France international is challenging the final year of his Palace deal, which is currently due to expire in June 2027.

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According to BBC Sport on Saturday, Mateta argues that the optional extension activated by the club should be considered invalid.

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Mateta initially joined Palace from Mainz in January 2021 on an 18-month loan before making the move permanent in January 2022.

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He signed a four-and-a-half-year contract that included an option for a further 12 months.

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Palace exercised that option in 2024, extending Mateta’s stay until the end of the 2026-27 season.

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The 29-year-old’s challenge was previously considered by an independent tribunal under Premier League rules. While there has been no official announcement of the outcome, it is understood that Mateta’s contract remains binding.

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He subsequently took the matter to FIFA, but the world governing body ruled that the dispute falls outside its jurisdiction.

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Mateta remains an important figure at Selhurst Park and started Palace’s Premier League opener against Everton on Saturday.

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His future at the club has been the subject of speculation since January, when he came close to joining AC Milan. The proposed move collapsed after an issue was identified during his medical.

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Palace have also reportedly offered Mateta a new contract that could keep him at the club until 2030, although no agreement has been reached.

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Mateta has scored more than 60 goals for Palace and played a key role in the club’s recent success, including their FA Cup and UEFA Conference League triumphs.

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If his challenge were ultimately successful, Mateta could potentially become a free agent before the currently stated expiry date of his Palace contract.

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