French-Congolese Jean-Philippe Mateta challenges validity of Crystal Palace contract

Jean-Philippe Mateta is challenging the validity of the final 10 months of his Crystal Palace contract and has taken his case to FIFA, according to multiple sources who spoke to BBC Sport.

The France international is disputing the validity of the optional final year of his agreement with Palace, which is currently scheduled to expire in June 2027.

Mateta joined the Eagles from Mainz 05 in 2021, initially arriving on an 18-month loan before making the move permanent in January 2022. As part of that deal, the striker signed a four-and-a-half-year contract which included an option for an additional 12 months.

Palace activated that extension in 2024, keeping Mateta tied to the club until the end of the 2026-27 season.

However, the 29-year-old argues that the additional year should be declared void. His dispute was previously heard by an independent tribunal under the Premier League’s rules, although there has been no official confirmation of the outcome.

It is understood the tribunal ruled that Mateta’s contract remained binding.

The forward has now escalated the dispute by approaching FIFA. The world governing body ruled earlier this week that overturning the contract does not fall within its jurisdiction.

BBC Sport has approached Mateta’s representatives and FIFA for comment.

Had Mateta succeeded in having the final year annulled, it could have paved the way for him to become a free agent before the current expiry date of his Palace contract.

Mateta’s Palace legacy at stake

Mateta has developed into one of Palace’s most important players since arriving at Selhurst Park, scoring 67 goals for the club.

He was also instrumental in the Eagles’ historic successes under former manager Oliver Glasner, playing a major role in their FA Cup and UEFA Conference League triumphs.

The striker, however, came close to ending his Palace career earlier this year after pushing for a move in January. He was reportedly close to joining AC Milan, but the proposed transfer collapsed because of an issue with his knee.

Despite the dispute over his contract, Mateta started Palace’s Premier League opener against Everton on Saturday.

Sage handed nightmare Palace start

The contract dispute is another problem for new Palace manager Pierre Sage, who endured a difficult opening day as his side suffered a 2-0 defeat at Goodison Park.

Ismaila Sarr was absent from the matchday squad after struggling with an injury, with sources indicating that the Senegal international had not trained for the previous two days because of a groin problem.

His absence comes amid concrete interest from Turkish giants Galatasaray, although Palace are reluctant to sell the forward after his outstanding campaign last season.

Sarr scored 21 goals in all competitions as Palace lifted the Community Shield and Conference League, and one source said the Eagles would only consider a bid well above his market value.

Riad injury adds to Palace concerns

The situation worsened when defender Chadi Riad was stretchered off during the defeat with what appeared to be a serious knee injury.

Riad has endured a difficult spell with knee problems since joining Palace in 2024, suffering an injury in only his second appearance for the club. Two successive knee injuries subsequently kept him out of the squad for more than 400 days.

For Sage, the early warning signs could hardly be more concerning: a wantaway forward, uncertainty surrounding Mateta’s contract, an opening-day defeat and another potentially serious knee injury.

Palace’s new era has begun under a cloud of uncertainty.