BTN News: Kylian Mbappé, one of football’s brightest stars, has taken his ongoing dispute with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to the legal forefront, involving both the French Professional Football League (LFP) and UEFA. At the heart of this contention is Mbappé’s demand for the payment of a bonus and three months of overdue salaries, which together amount to approximately 55 million euros gross, according to sources like Le Monde. The issue, which has been simmering for over a year, not only highlights the strained relationship between the player and the club but also threatens to impact PSG’s participation in future European competitions.
The crux of Mbappé’s complaint lies in the unpaid sums that he claims are rightfully his. On August 8, 2024, the French forward officially lodged his claim with the LFP’s legal commission, citing a specific article in the Professional Football Charter. This article mandates that clubs must compensate players no later than the last day of each month, a rule that Mbappé argues PSG has violated. The legal commission has the authority to penalize clubs that fail to fulfill their financial obligations by imposing restrictions, such as banning new signings until the dues are settled.
Adding to the complexity, Mbappé escalated the matter on August 13, 2024, by reaching out to the French Football Federation. He requested that they bring the case to UEFA’s attention, specifically to the committee responsible for granting licenses to clubs participating in European competitions like the Champions League. This committee also ensures that clubs adhere to financial regulations, including being current with all payments to their staff. In the worst-case scenario for PSG, failing to resolve this dispute could jeopardize their eligibility for the 2024-2025 season of European football.
The origins of this dispute trace back to the summer of 2023, when Mbappé informed PSG of his decision not to trigger the clause that would extend his contract beyond June 2024. This announcement sparked widespread speculation about a potential move to Real Madrid. In response, PSG’s management made a controversial decision to sideline Mbappé, excluding him from training sessions with the main squad and relegating him to a group of players expected to leave the club.
This tense situation seemed to ease after Mbappé reportedly agreed to a compromise, assuring PSG that the club would not suffer financially if he departed. Part of this agreement involved Mbappé forfeiting a loyalty bonus, which he believed would lead to his reintegration into the first team. However, Mbappé claims that since mid-February, after he informed PSG president Nasser Al Khelaïfi of his intent to leave, he experienced a notable reduction in playing time and a growing sense of isolation within the team.
The financial dispute escalated when PSG refused to pay a third of the loyalty bonus, amounting to 36 million euros, as well as the salaries for April, May, and June, which together total 55 million euros. PSG’s stance is that these payments were contingent upon Mbappé leaving the club only under circumstances where his new team would compensate PSG for his transfer. Since Mbappé joined Real Madrid after his contract with PSG expired in June 2024, without any transfer fee, PSG believes it is not obligated to fulfill these financial commitments.
Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, PSG remains hopeful about the outcome. Sources close to Nasser Al Khelaïfi have expressed optimism about the progress of negotiations, asserting that Mbappé had previously assured both privately and publicly that PSG’s interests would be safeguarded if he left on a free transfer. As discussions continue, the club has refrained from making any public comments, emphasizing that the negotiations are constructive and ongoing.
This unfolding saga between Kylian Mbappé and Paris Saint-Germain is not just a legal battle but also a test of the intricate and often fragile relationships in modern football. With significant financial and reputational stakes on the line, the resolution of this dispute could have far-reaching consequences, not only for Mbappé’s career but also for PSG’s future in European football.
