The already-turbulent relationship between Jean-Philippe Mateta and Crystal Palace has taken another sharp turn, with the striker's future at Selhurst Park now firmly in question as the transfer window nears its final days.

BBC Sport revealed on Saturday that Mateta has been contesting the validity of the final year of his Palace contract, arguing it should be ruled void. He has taken the dispute to both a Premier League independent tribunal and a Fifa hearing — a move that has transformed the closing stages of the window into a critical moment for the club.

The legal challenge

Mateta and his advisors maintain that the last year of his deal is not legally binding, because it was activated through an extension option on his original four-and-a-half year contract rather than a mutually agreed renewal. However, he remains contracted to Palace for now.

Fifa ruled the matter outside its jurisdiction just days before Mateta started Palace's Premier League opener against Everton. The outcome of the Premier League's independent tribunal has not been officially confirmed, though the fact he remains at the club suggests it did not find in his favour.

Employment lawyer Libby Payne offered some context: