The French League's appeals commission has upheld an earlier ruling requiring Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to pay Kylian Mbappe €55 million in unpaid wages, escalating an ongoing dispute between the star player and his former club.
Last month, the LFP legal commission initially sided with Mbappe, finding PSG liable for the amount. PSG, however, contested the decision, arguing it did not owe the player additional funds and requested a second hearing. The appeals commission maintained its original verdict after a second hearing on October 15, upholding the payout.
"(PSG) must pay him the parts of his salary he is claiming," the LFP confirmed in an email to The Associated Press, specifying that this decision is final and cannot be appealed further. PSG, however, has suggested it may seek an alternative route by appealing to the executive committee of the French Football Federation (FFF).
PSG has challenged Mbappe's stance, claiming he acted in "bad faith" throughout the dispute and has confirmed plans to escalate the case through the courts. The club maintains it had a verbal agreement with Mbappe that included waiving bonuses if he wished to return to the team after opting not to renew his contract for the 2023-24 season. "PSG will be forced to bring the case before the competent courts while continuing, not withstanding repeated bad faith, to try to find an amicable solution with the player," stated PSG.
Tensions with PSG, where Mbappe scored a club-record 256 goals over seven years, were a recurring issue. When he re-signed with PSG in 2022, the player was presented to fans with a jersey marked 2025, though his contract technically extended only until 2024 with an option for an additional year. Mbappe later informed PSG in June 2023 he would not exercise this extension, leaving PSG with a decision—either transfer him to recoup his value or face his departure at no cost in 2024. Mbappe then turned down a reported €300 million offer from Saudi club Al-Hilal, further straining relations.
PSG cited “unprecedented benefits” afforded to Mbappe during his tenure and emphasized a continued push for an amicable resolution, while also asserting that if Mbappe pursues his claim, they will challenge his “bad faith” in court. Fans’ frustrations with Mbappe were apparent during his final game at Parc des Princes, where he was met with boos.
After parting ways with PSG, Mbappe joined Real Madrid on a free transfer and has since scored eight goals in 13 matches. His impressive start for Madrid comes as the club faces arch-rival Barcelona in an eagerly anticipated La Liga showdown.
