Mateta takes Crystal Palace to FIFA, argues that the final year of his contract is void

Jean-Philippe Mateta has taken his contract dispute with Crystal Palace to FIFA, arguing that the final year of his deal is void. The France international says Palace’s decision to activate a 12-month extension in 2024 was not valid, which he believes should have made him a free agent this summer. Mateta’s contract is set to expire at the end of the 2026/27 season, but he is challenging the enforceability of the added year. An independent tribunal under Premier League rules first considered his case, then FIFA ruled earlier this week that it does not have jurisdiction to overturn the existing contract, leaving the matter unresolved. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace rejected an enquiry from Aston Villa and more approaches are expected before the transfer deadline.