Jean-Philippe Mateta has raised a Crystal Palace contract dispute with FIFA, talkSPORT understands.
The 29-year-old has challenged the remaining ten months of his deal at Palace, which expires in June 2027.
2
The Frenchman first joined the club on an 18-month loan from Mainz in January 2021, with the move made permanent a year later.
This is when he signed a four-and-a-half year contract that included the option of an extra 12 months, which Palace activated in 2024.
However, this additional year is what is being disputed by Mateta.
talkSPORT understands that a Premier League tribunal over the contest was held midway through last season – which didn’t go in the player’s favour.
He subsequently took his case to the FIFA, but it is understood that Mateta’s contract at Selhurst Park remains binding.
Is Mateta subject to any interest from Premier League clubs?
Aston Villa are understood to have enquired about a potential move for Mateta this summer.
Unai Emery’s side could lose Ollie Watkins before the window shuts on September 1 amid interest from Al Hilal.
Watkins is open to joining the Saudi Pro League side after spending six seasons at Villa.
However, whilst Mateta is an option for Villa, Nicolas Jackson remains as their priority target.
Chelsea have set an asking price of around £65million for the Senegal international, who spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich.
2
A move would see Jackson and Emery reunite after they previously worked together at Villarreal.
Meanwhile, Villa are closing in on the signing of Leon Goretzka.
The midfielder is currently a free agent after leaving Bayern earlier this summer.
Goretzka is set to undergo his medical next week after reaching a verbal agreement with Villa.
Their interest follows the unsuccessful pursuit of Joao Palhinha, who has now joined Benfica.
Villa begin their Premier League campaign away at Brighton on Sunday.
