Striker Jean-Philippe Mateta challenges Crystal Palace contract at Fifa
Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has escalated a legal challenge to Fifa regarding the validity of the final 10 months of his contract.
The France international argues that the one-year extension recently activated by his employers should be deemed void.
He originally signed a permanent four-and-a-half-year deal in January 2022, which included the optional 12-month clause.
It is understood an independent Premier League tribunal previously heard the 29-year-old’s case and ruled the agreement remained binding.
Fifa rejects jurisdiction over dispute
World football’s governing body ruled earlier this week that overruling the existing paperwork falls outside its jurisdiction.
A successful appeal would potentially allow the prolific forward to become a free agent before the end of the current season.
BBC Sport has approached both Fifa and representatives for the former Mainz 05 attacker for comment.
A vital but unsettled figure at Selhurst Park
The French marksman has become a pivotal player in south London, scoring 67 goals since his initial arrival on loan in 2021.
He played an instrumental role in the Eagles’ historic FA Cup and Uefa Conference League victories under former manager Oliver Glasner.
Despite this on-pitch success, the player pushed for a January transfer to AC Milan earlier this year.
That proposed move ultimately collapsed following concerns raised during medical checks over a knee issue.
Mounting injury crisis compounds opening defeat
The contract dispute adds to a turbulent start to the campaign for new manager Pierre Sage following a 2-0 defeat at Everton.
Defender Chadi Riad was stretchered off at Goodison Park, continuing a devastating run of knee problems that previously sidelined him for over 400 days.
Meanwhile, key winger Ismaila Sarr missed the matchday squad entirely with a suspected groin injury.
The 21-goal forward has not trained for two days amid concrete interest from Turkish giants Galatasaray.
Palace remain determined to keep the Senegalese star and will reportedly only consider bids significantly above market value.