Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has reportedly taken his dispute over the validity of his contract with the club to FIFA.
The France international is challenging the final year of his current Palace deal, which is due to run until June 2027.
According to BBC Sport, Mateta argues that the 12-month extension activated by Crystal Palace should be considered invalid.
Mateta initially joined Palace from Mainz on an 18-month loan in January 2021 before completing a permanent transfer a year later.
He signed a four-and-a-half-year contract containing an option for an additional 12 months. Palace exercised that option in 2024, extending his deal through the end of the 2026-27 season.
The 29-year-old had previously challenged the extension before an independent tribunal under Premier League rules. Although the outcome has not been officially announced, reports indicate that his contract remains binding.
Mateta subsequently took the dispute to FIFA, but the world governing body ruled that the matter falls outside its jurisdiction.
Despite the contractual uncertainty, Mateta remains a key player for Palace and started their Premier League opener against Everton on Saturday.
His future at Selhurst Park has been the subject of speculation since January, when he came close to joining AC Milan. However, the proposed transfer collapsed after an issue was reportedly identified during his medical.
Palace have also reportedly offered the striker a new contract that could keep him at the club until 2030, but the two sides have yet to reach an agreement.
Mateta has scored more than 60 goals for Crystal Palace and played a significant role in the club’s recent successes, including their FA Cup and UEFA Conference League triumphs.
If his challenge against the final year of his contract is eventually successful, Mateta could potentially become a free agent earlier than the current June 2027 expiry date.
