PSG Concludes Protracted Legal Dispute with Kylian Mbappe
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has opted against appealing a court decision that mandates the club to pay former striker Kylian Mbappe a substantial sum of £52.5 million. This move brings a definitive end to an acrimonious 18-month legal confrontation that marred the relationship between the French football giants and the player, who now represents Real Madrid after departing Paris in 2024.
The Origins of the Dispute
The conflict originated from Mbappe's allegations that he did not receive certain bonuses and wages during his final season with PSG. Initially, the France captain sought a staggering £231.5 million from the club when the matter was brought before a Paris labour court in November of last year. In a retaliatory move, PSG counter-sued the 26-year-old for £211 million, escalating the legal tensions.
However, the court ultimately ruled in Mbappe's favour at the end of the previous year, ordering PSG to pay him £52.5 million. Despite considering an appeal, the club announced on Friday that it would not prolong the proceedings. In an official statement, PSG declared: 'In a spirit of responsibility and in order to put a definitive end to a procedure that has gone on for far too long, the club has chosen not to prolong this dispute. PSG is now resolutely focused on the future, concentrated on its sporting project and collective success.'
Court Findings and Legal Arguments
The court determined that PSG had failed to fulfil its financial obligations by not paying three months of Mbappe's salary, an ethics bonus, and a signing bonus as stipulated in his employment contract. These amounts were previously acknowledged as due by two separate decisions from the French Professional Football League (LFP) in September and October 2024. Crucially, the judges noted that PSG did not provide any written evidence demonstrating that Mbappe had waived his entitlement to these payments.
While the court rejected PSG's argument that Mbappe should forfeit his unpaid wages entirely, it also dismissed several of the player's additional claims. These included allegations of concealed work, moral harassment, and breach of the employer's duty of safety. Additionally, the court did not classify Mbappe's fixed-term contract as a permanent one, which limited the potential compensation related to dismissal and notice pay.
Background of the Bitter Fallout
The relationship between Mbappe, a 2018 World Cup winner, and PSG, the reigning European champion, deteriorated significantly when the player decided in 2023 not to extend his contract, which was set to expire in the summer of 2024. This decision deprived PSG of a substantial transfer fee, despite the club having offered him the most lucrative contract in its history when he signed a new deal in 2022.
PSG contended that Mbappe acted disloyally by concealing his intention not to renew his contract for nearly a year, from July 2022 to June 2023. The club argued that this prevented them from securing a transfer fee comparable to the £165.7 million they paid to acquire him from Monaco in 2017, thereby causing significant financial harm. PSG also accused Mbappe of reneging on an alleged August 2023 agreement that included a pay reduction should he leave on a free transfer, an arrangement purportedly designed to safeguard the club's financial stability.
In contrast, Mbappe's representatives maintained that PSG never produced evidence of any agreement to forego payments. They emphasised that the dispute centred solely on the strict application of French labour law and unpaid remuneration, rather than transfer policy matters.
Conclusion of the Saga
With PSG's decision not to appeal, the protracted legal battle has finally concluded. The club's lawyer added: 'Contrary to the false claims of the player and his entourage, the club has fulfilled all its obligations, both in the publication of the ruling and in the full payment of the amounts owed.' This resolution allows both parties to close this contentious chapter and move forward, with PSG now focusing on its future sporting endeavours and Mbappe continuing his career at Real Madrid.
