Bizar Premier twist: Mateta seeks FIFA ruling on contract

Bizar Premier drama unfolds as Frans international Jean‑Philippe Mateta, Crystal Palace‑uitblinker, moves to have the final year of his 2022 contract declared void and has already lodged an appeal with FIFA, according to the BBC. The 29‑year‑old striker argues the optional extra year should be invalid, potentially freeing him to join another club.

Mateta is currently in the last season of a contract he signed in 2022. That deal covered one and a half years with an option for an additional year, which Palace exercised in 2024, leaving him ten months under contract.

Over the past three seasons the 29‑year‑old has netted 42 goals for Palace, playing a key role in the club’s Conference League triumph in 2026 and the FA Cup win in 2025.

Volgens the Britse BBC, Mateta claims the optional extra year is invalid and the case was examined by an independent commission under Premier League rules. No official ruling has been issued yet, but the player has taken the matter to FIFA, meaning a decision could determine whether he becomes a free agent immediately. He was also close to a transfer to AC Milan last season.