Towards a New Favorable Decision for Mbappé in Financial Dispute with PSG

Another significant day for Kylian Mbappé. The joint appeals commission of the Professional Football League is set to deliver its verdict on Friday regarding the financial dispute between PSG and their former star. The captain of the French national team is demanding €55 million in unpaid salaries and other bonuses from his former club. According to L’Equipe and the AFP, the outcome is expected to be in favor of the Real Madrid player.

Initiated by the French forward, the LFP’s legal committee had recommended mediation last month, but facing the player’s refusal, they promptly requested PSG to pay the €55 million within a fortnight. PSG, in response, decided to appeal this decision. This appeal was reviewed last Tuesday, and a new ruling favoring the French captain is anticipated, as reported by the AFP.

On the eve of the appeal hearing by the LFP’s joint commission and following initial reports on the investigation for rape in Stockholm, Mbappé had denounced a “fake news” on social media, linking it to the upcoming hearing regarding his financial dispute with Paris. “That’s the news of the day, don’t be distracted,” stated the player’s lawyer, Delphine Verheyden, in front of the LFP.

Other Possible Courses of Action After this Decision

The conflict between the two parties stems from an agreement made in August 2023 between the forward and PSG’s management. The star striker was sidelined for refusing to extend his contract with PSG, which would have ensured the club a transfer fee. Instead, Mbappé joined Real Madrid on a free transfer at the end of the previous season. In this agreement, the player agreed to forfeit €55 million in various bonuses if he left on a free transfer at the end of the season. However, the validity of this agreement, publicly discussed by Mbappé himself with journalists last January, is challenged by the player’s camp, who may also escalate the matter to UEFA. There are allegations of a “secret deal” within his inner circle.

“In law and in fact, the player made clear and repeated public and private commitments that the club simply asks him to honor, and the player has enjoyed unprecedented benefits from the club for seven years,” PSG states, regarding “a matter of good faith, honesty, upholding values, and respecting the Parisian institution and its supporters.”

Following this decision, multiple avenues for recourse will be available, including lodging appeals with the French Football Federation (FFF) under the higher appeals committee, subsequently proceeding to an administrative court with a potential conciliation in front of the French National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSF).