Jean-Philippe Mateta is arguing that the final months of his Crystal Palace contract are invalid and has taken his challenge to FIFA.
Palace activated the option year in Mateta’s contract in 2024 and his current deal is due to expire at the end of this season.
But the 29-year-old is arguing that the contract should be void and that he should have been a free agent this summer.
Mateta’s case was heard by an independent tribunal under the Premier League‘s rules and he subsequently went to FIFA, but they ruled earlier this week that overruling the contract is not within their jurisdiction.
Jean-Philippe Mateta is arguing that the final months of his Crystal Palace contract are invalid
Palace this week rebuffed an enquiry from Aston Villa for Mateta and more clubs are expected to try in the final days of the window.
Mateta, who started Palace’s Premier League opener at Everton on Saturday, signed for the club from Mainz 05, initially on an 18-month loan.
He signed a four-and-a-half year contract when joining permanently in January 2022, in a deal that also included the option of a 12-month extension.
