October 25, 2024

Kylian Mbappé: PSG to Pursue Legal Action Following Wage Dispute Decision – Ligue 1

Paris Saint-Germain is preparing to escalate their ongoing wage dispute with Kylian Mbappé to the legal arena. This decision comes in light of a recent ruling by the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP), which favored the French captain on Friday. The club’s decision to pursue legal action suggests that they are unwilling to accept the LFP’s determination and are determined to challenge it in court. This development adds another layer of complexity to the already tense relationship between the star player and the club, as both sides appear to be firmly entrenched in their respective positions.

Reports from various French media outlets indicate that Mbappé, who has remained silent on the issue publicly, is claiming approximately €55 million ($60 million) in unpaid salary and bonuses. He asserts that this amount is owed to him by PSG, which could create significant financial implications for the club if the court sides with him. The absence of public comments from Mbappé adds an air of mystery to the situation, as fans and analysts alike speculate about his motivations and next steps regarding the dispute.

The Ligue 1 champions, for their part, maintain that Mbappé’s contract was “legally amended,” and they contend that he has not upheld his contractual commitments. They argue that when he left to join the Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid during the summer transfer window, he effectively violated the terms of his agreement with PSG. This assertion underscores the club’s belief that they are justified in their stance and provides insight into the contentious nature of the negotiations between the player and the management.

Additionally, PSG revealed last month that the 25-year-old forward had declined an offer from the LFP to mediate the dispute, which could have potentially led to a resolution outside of court. This refusal to engage in mediation suggests a deepening rift between Mbappé and the club, indicating that both parties are prepared to stand firm in their positions rather than seek a compromise. As the situation unfolds, it will be interesting to see how both sides navigate the legal landscape and what implications this might have for Mbappé’s future at PSG.

The National Joint Appeals Commission of the LFP convened on October 15 to listen to both sides involved in the dispute and announced on Friday that it had made a ruling in favor of Mbappé.

“The club must pay him the salary he is claiming. This decision is not subject to appeal, but may be referred to the FFF [French Football Federation] Executive Committee,” the LFP told Reuters.

However, PSG said they would be “forced to bring the case before the competent courts” while still trying to find an “amicable solution” with Mbappé, who became the French club’s all-time top scorer during his seven-year stay in the capital.

“What is in debate, and will ultimately be heard before an appropriate tribunal, is that the original contract was legally amended in August 2023 relating to the 2024-25 season, and also fully recognised by the player including in January 2024 — until the player then decided to renege all his commitments upon leaving the club,” a PSG spokesperson said.

“As a matter of law and fact, the player has made clear, repeated public and private commitments that the club simply asks are honoured, with the player being afforded unprecedented benefits by the club over seven years in Paris.

“The club hopes these basic commitments will simply be respected, knowing that the club will be forced to have the player’s bad faith judged by the competent courts if the player regrettably seeks to pursue this incomprehensibly damaging dispute, for himself and for French football, further.”

Mbappé’s representatives were not immediately available for comment.

In January, Mbappé had said he made an agreement with PSG chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi which would “protect all parties and preserve the club’s serenity for the challenges ahead.”

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