Why PSG is set to win €55m legal battle against Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe

With the Ligue de Football Professionnel’s (LFP) legal committee ruling in favour of Kylian Mbappe, ordering Paris Saint-Germain to pay him €55 million in unpaid wages and bonuses, the matter seems far from resolved. PSG’s refusal to comply with this judgement suggests that the club believes it has a strong case, potentially setting the stage for a legal battle that could see the French champions emerge victorious.

The crux of the dispute lies in the final three months of Mbappe’s contract with PSG, during which the player reportedly went unpaid. This period coincided with the deterioration of relations between Mbappe and the club, eventually leading to his move to Real Madrid.

PSG’s refusal to pay the owed wages is based on what they claim was a “gentleman’s agreement” between Mbappe and the club’s president, Nasser Al-Khelaifi. According to PSG, this agreement, which was allegedly acknowledged by Mbappe in January, was intended to protect the club from financial losses if he left on a free transfer.

Mbappe’s statement in January, where he mentioned, “With the agreement that I made with the president this summer, regardless of my decision, we have managed to protect all parties,” is being used by PSG as evidence of this verbal agreement. The club argues that this confirms their interpretation of the situation, justifying their refusal to pay the €55 million.

Why PSG is set to win €55m legal battle against Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe

However, Mbappe and his entourage do not share the same interpretation. They argue that the agreement was never officially signed or submitted to the LFP by the required date, rendering it null and void. Despite the verbal agreement, Mbappe’s lawyers contend that his playing time was reduced towards the end of the season, which they believe further complicates the situation.

According to L'Equipe, after a verbal agreement between Nasser Al-Khelaifi and Kylian Mbappe regarding forfeiting €55 million in bonuses if he left PSG on a free transfer, Mbappe's lawyer sent a letter on August 11, 2023, stating that Mbappe would give up this money to rejoin the first team and avoid harming the club.

This agreement was conditional on three things: Mbappe’s reinstatement by August 12, 2023, the signing of the agreement by August 14, and a joint press release resolving the dispute, all of which PSG fulfilled. However, Mbappe’s camp later argued the agreement was void because it was not signed or sent to the LFP by the deadline, and they claimed his playing time was reduced towards the season's end. PSG maintains that they have proof of Mbappe agreeing to give up the bonuses and are prepared to present this evidence in front of the LFP legal committee.

From PSG’s perspective, it’s difficult to imagine that a figure as experienced as Al-Khelaifi would rely solely on a verbal agreement without ensuring legal protections. The club likely has substantial evidence, including Mbappe’s own statements, to support their case. PSG’s confidence in their legal position is underscored by their willingness to take the dispute to court if necessary.

This is simply a case of a man not keeping his word.