The ongoing wage dispute between Paris Saint-Germain and Kylian Mbappe has now entered a legal phase, with the matter set to be decided in court.
After attempts to resolve the issue through official channels failed, the case has taken a dramatic turn.
Mbappe is seeking €55 million in unpaid bonuses and salary from PSG, but the French club is defending itself by citing a verbal agreement, which it claims exempts them from fulfilling these payments.
Mabppe’s lawyer speaks
The situation has raised serious concerns about the power dynamics in football, with one of Mbappe’s lawyers, Delphine Verheyden, suggesting that this case could set a dangerous precedent.
She pointed out that by accepting the regulations of the competition, PSG are expected to comply with the rules.
However, the lawyer believes that the current conflict highlights the limitations of both the French Football Federation and the League in holding clubs accountable.
“In order to participate in a championship, PSG accepts the regulations. But this story says that the League and the Federation have no power over the club.
“We are in a case that is becoming much bigger than my client’s case and that could blow everything up,” she said as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
Affecting the industry
Kylian Mbappe is seeking unpaid dues from PSG. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Verheyden’s statements have made it clear that this issue goes beyond just Mbappe’s individual case.
She emphasized that the outcome of this legal battle could affect the entire football industry, potentially allowing clubs to delay or avoid paying their players by dragging cases through lengthy legal processes.
“PSG is saying loud and clear to all other clubs: ‘Stop paying your players, force them to go to the labour court for a first-instance decision, two years of appeal and the same amount in cassation.”
This, she warns, could lead to players seeing their careers come to an end before they receive the wages they are owed. “They will all be finished with their careers before they receive payment,” she added.
Mbappe is in the right
Despite the growing tension, Verheyden made it clear that Mbappe is not seeking any punitive action against PSG. Instead, “We want to be paid what we are owed,”
She strongly criticized PSG’s attempt to bypass the rules of football, warning that the club’s actions could undermine the integrity of the sport.
“PSG wants to escape the rules of football. They are willing to overthrow the system instead of fulfilling their obligations.”
If the authorities fail to uphold the rules and protect contracts, it could set a dangerous precedent, allowing clubs to exploit players without consequences.
“If the authorities do not protect the contracts and their rules, we send a strong signal that says: ‘They can trample on all the players,” he added.