The French Football Federation (FFF) has announced it will not intervene in the ongoing legal dispute between Kylian Mbappé and his former club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) over unpaid wages and bonuses.
The federation stated on Friday, November 22, that its legal department determined PSG’s request for federal involvement “did not meet the required conditions.”
The clash between the French football star and PSG centers around a €55 million payment dispute, which includes three months’ salary and the final installment of a loyalty bonus.
While the French league’s legal commission previously ruled in Mbappé’s favor, PSG maintained it did not owe the player money and filed an appeal. The appeal, heard on October 15, upheld the original decision.
Despite this, PSG sought the intervention of the FFF, arguing for a review of the league appeals commission’s verdict. However, the FFF’s announcement effectively closes the door on federal oversight of the case. PSG has not yet issued a statement following the decision.
A Bitter Legal Battle
The disagreement marks a bitter chapter in the strained relationship between Mbappé and PSG.
The French star, who became PSG’s all-time top scorer with 256 goals during his seven-year tenure, left the club this summer to join Real Madrid on a free transfer. However, his departure came amidst controversy.
PSG alleged that Mbappé had verbally agreed to forgo certain bonuses to return to the team after being sidelined at the start of the 2023-24 season.
This claim was disputed by Mbappé, who rejected a mediation proposal from PSG and pressed forward with his claim for unpaid sums.
Mbappé’s decision not to extend his contract before the 2023-24 season triggered tensions with the club, leading to his temporary exclusion from first-team activities.
Fans at the Parc des Princes further fueled the animosity, with some booing him during his final home match for the club.
PSG’s Perspective
The Parisian club contends that it upheld its contractual obligations, citing the alleged verbal agreement between the two parties.
This stance, however, has failed to sway either the league’s legal commission or its appeals body, both of which ruled in favor of Mbappé.
In 2022, PSG made a significant effort to retain Mbappé, offering him the most lucrative contract in the club’s history.
Yet, the relationship soured after the player’s decision to pursue free agency, leaving PSG without a transfer fee for their marquee player.
A Legacy Marred by Disputes
While Mbappé’s move to Real Madrid represents a new chapter in his illustrious career, the unresolved financial conflict with PSG casts a shadow over his legacy at the club.
The €55 million at the heart of the dispute reflects not just monetary concerns but also the fractured trust between one of football’s brightest stars and his former club.
For now, with the FFF stepping back, the legal battle remains confined to the decisions of the French league’s judicial bodies.
Both parties have yet to indicate their next steps, but the dispute underscores the complexities of modern football contracts and the high stakes involved in the sport’s financial dealings.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
