Jean-Philippe Mateta has taken his contract dispute with Crystal Palace to FIFA, asserting that the final months of his deal are invalid and that he should have been a free agent this summer. Palace activated a contract extension option in 2024, extending Mateta's deal to the end of the current season.
Mateta, 29, is arguing that his contract should be voided. His case was initially heard by an independent tribunal under Premier League rules, but FIFA ruled earlier this week that the jurisdiction to overrule the contract does not fall within their purview.
The club recently rejected an inquiry from Aston Villa for the striker, and other clubs are expected to express interest before the transfer window closes. Mateta joined Crystal Palace from Mainz 05, initially on an 18-month loan. He signed a permanent four-and-a-half-year contract in January 2022, which included an option for a 12-month extension. Mateta started Crystal Palace's Premier League opener against Everton on Saturday.