Jean-Philippe Mateta at War with Crystal Palace

Striker Jean-Philippe Mateta is embroiled in a serious dispute with his club, Crystal Palace, having taken their disagreement to FIFA, claiming the final months of his contract should be annulled. The Frenchman asserts that the final year of his contract with Crystal Palace is invalid and has filed a case with the global football governing body. In 2024, the club activated an option to extend the player's contract, which, under current terms, expires at the end of this season. However, the 29-year-old believes the contract should have been terminated, allowing him to become a free agent this summer.

Mateta's case was initially reviewed by an independent tribunal under Premier League rules. He subsequently appealed to FIFA, but they ruled earlier this week that the annulment of the contract was not within their jurisdiction.

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace has rejected an inquiry from Aston Villa for the striker, with other clubs also expected to make a move for him in the final days of the transfer window.

Mateta, who started Palace's opening match of the season against Everton on Saturday, joined the club from Mainz 05, initially on an 18-month loan. In January 2022, he signed a permanent four-and-a-half-year deal, which included an option for a further 12-month extension.

Mateta has been looking to leave Palace all year and came close during the January transfer window, almost securing a move to AC Milan. The two clubs had agreed on a 35 million euro deal, but it fell through at the last minute due to knee problems for the striker.