Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has been ordered to pay former player Kylian Mbappé nearly €61 million, equating to around €99 million in U.S. dollars. This ruling was delivered by the Paris labor tribunal on Tuesday. The decision comes in response to claims of unpaid salaries, bonuses, and vacation pay following Mbappé’s departure from the club after the 2024 season.
Details of the Court Ruling
The Paris labor tribunal announced its decision at 1 PM local time, gathering significant media attention. This judgment involved multiple legal representatives from both sides. The tribunal, comprising two employer and two employee representatives, highlighted various unpaid amounts. Of the total, €55 million pertained to salaries and bonuses due at the time of Mbappé’s contentious exit in summer 2024. An additional €6 million was related to unpaid vacation entitlements.
Immediate Payment Mandated
- The PSG must pay the specified amount immediately, despite any plans to appeal the ruling.
- Notification of the verdict will reach both parties by the end of the week or the following week.
Reactions to the Verdict
The PSG issued a statement acknowledging the court’s decision, expressing commitment to execute it while reserving the right to appeal. The club emphasized its previous good faith and integrity throughout the contract period with Mbappé.
Conversely, Mbappé’s legal team expressed satisfaction with the court’s ruling, asserting it underscored the necessity of honoring contractual obligations in the professional football sector.
Additional Claims and Outcomes
While the tribunal ruled in favor of Mbappé, it rejected a request to convert his temporary contract into a permanent one. His lawyers had attempted to claim €263 million, which was also dismissed. Furthermore, the PSG’s counterclaims, amounting to €440 million due to image rights damages and perceived bad faith, were similarly rejected.
Background of the Dispute
The conflict between Mbappé and PSG traces back two and a half years. Initially, Mbappé sought unpaid wages directly through sports authorities. Subsequently, he escalated the matter to the labor tribunal. The PSG argued that there was an informal agreement whereby Mbappé would leave without a transfer fee to protect club finances following substantial investments in his career.
Impact of the Decision
This court ruling represents a significant setback for PSG as they navigate their future following Mbappé’s impending departure. The dispute considerably strained relationships between the player and the club, especially after he was excluded from the team at the beginning of the 2023-2024 season due to his refusal to extend his contract.
Mbappé rejoined the team after the first game of the season. Nevertheless, the announcement of his departure in February 2024 further cooled relations. His exit, marking the end of an era, lacked a formal farewell, aside from a brief tribute organized by fans.
