PSG appeals and promises to fight to avoid paying 55 million euros to Mbappé
Paris Saint-Germain does not comply with the decision of the French Professional Football League and goes to court to avoid paying salaries and bonuses to the striker, currently at Real Madrid
Paris Saint-Germain has appealed the French Professional Football League’s (LFP) decision that ordered it to pay 55 million euros ($335.1 million) in debts owed to striker Mbappé. The club has promised to go to court to avoid having to pay the player, who is currently playing for Real Madrid .
The €55 million is for the last three months of wages and the signing bonus. PSG has decided to appeal the decision of the LFP’s legal committee, announced on September 12. The club had until Friday evening to settle the debt. Its representatives claim that the League’s legal body has legal limitations.
Paris Saint-Germain believe that Mbappé broke his word after verbally committing to club president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi in August 2023 to “forgive” the €55 million he was due to receive. At the time, this agreement had a direct impact on his reinstatement into the squad.
— PSG’s position goes beyond what is legally justified. It is also a question of good faith, honesty, values and respect for the Parisian institution and its fans, who are more important than any player — explained PSG, in a press release.
Mbappé and his representatives, in turn, are demanding that the entire amount be paid. The dispute, which began months ago, could end up in UEFA and in French labor courts. This appeal will be analyzed by another LFP committee, with no set date. According to the newspaper “L’Équipe”, Paris Saint-Germain may still file another action with the administrative court of the French Olympic Committee (CNOSF).
Understand the case
The French press had been predicting a legal battle between the club and the player since Mbappé’s decision not to renew his contract with the club for another year, before the agreement with Real Madrid. They reported that PSG would not pay the loyalty bonus in full.
In the 2022/23 pre-season, Mbappé was withdrawn from PSG’s trip to Asia after informing the club that he would not extend his contract until 2025. The player and the club later reached an agreement for the striker’s reinstatement, which would mean giving up around €55 million (R$330 million) gross of the loyalty bonus.
However, according to L’Equipe, no agreement has been signed, and the terms of the original contract would still be legally valid. Mbappé does not intend to give up what he would be entitled to, and the two parties are expected to fight in court .