Kylian Mbappé faces a setback as the French Football Federation’s appeal commission deemed his claim for over 55 million euros in unpaid salaries from Paris Saint-Germain inadmissible. While PSG acknowledges the debt, they argue it’s justified by a prior agreement that lacks formal documentation. The dispute escalates, with contrasting views from PSG and Mbappé’s camp, as previous rulings from the LFP favored the player, urging PSG to meet their financial obligations. The situation remains unresolved, pending further legal proceedings.
FFF Declares Mbappé’s Appeal Inadmissible
A significant setback has emerged for Kylian Mbappé as the higher appeal commission of the French Football Federation (FFF) has ruled his appeal from last December as “inadmissible,” according to reports from AFP citing a source close to the situation. The French national team captain is seeking over 55 million euros in unpaid salaries and bonuses from his former club, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), stemming from the end of the 2022-23 season. While PSG acknowledges the withheld amount, the club asserts that it is justified based on a prior agreement between them, although this agreement lacks formal confirmation through any amendments.
Clash of Perspectives: PSG vs. Mbappé’s Camp
PSG has refrained from providing comments on the current situation but previously stated on December 11 that “in law and in fact, the player has made clear and repeated public and private commitments that PSG simply asks him to honor.” The club emphasized the importance of good faith, honesty, and respect for the Parisian institution and its supporters, asserting that these values are paramount, overshadowing any individual player. The club also expressed hope for an amicable resolution while accusing the player of repeated bad faith. Meanwhile, Mbappé’s lawyer, Me Delphine Verheyden, remarked last September that “labor law must apply.”
The FFF’s ruling aligns with the earlier decision of the Disciplinary Commission of the Professional Football League (LFP) from December 11, which claimed incompetence in the matter, particularly because PSG had taken the LFP to court in Paris. The Parisian club has contested the LFP’s initial two decisions to pay Mbappé the disputed amount.
According to Mbappé’s representatives, the reasoning behind the FFF’s decision is perplexing. They argue that it obstructs the player from receiving justice despite several favorable rulings in his favor. The dispute continues, and the labor court is expected to weigh in, as PSG stated in their December 11 communication that the approved contract had been mutually modified in August 2023 for the 2023-24 season. This change has been reiterated by the player multiple times, particularly in January 2024, before he reversed his commitments after the season concluded.
Contrastingly, the legal commission of the LFP and the joint appeal commission both ruled in favor of Mbappé, urging PSG to fulfill their financial obligations. PSG maintains that they are prepared to present their case fully before the appropriate court, differing from the positions of the LFP and the FFF.