Why did Kylian Mbappe drop the complaint?
Kylian Mbappe has officially withdrawn his civil complaint of moral harassment against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). His lawyer, Pierre-Olivier Sur, confirmed the decision ahead of Real Madrid’s Club World Cup semi-final clash with PSG. Mbappe, now a Real Madrid forward, had filed the complaint earlier this year, accusing PSG of unfair treatment during the 2023-24 pre-season period.
According to Mbappe, he was deliberately sidelined by PSG and forced to train with players the club intended to sell, after he declined to renew his contract. The French players’ union had already raised concerns about this practice and lodged its complaint last year. Mbappe was also excluded from PSG’s 2023 pre-season tour in Asia and missed the season opener, but later rejoined the squad after talks with the club’s management.
What led to the conflict between Mbappe and PSG?
Mbappe’s fallout with PSG stems from his refusal to extend his contract, which led to a strained relationship with club officials. He spent seven successful seasons at PSG, scoring 256 goals in 308 appearances, before moving to Real Madrid in the summer. Despite their differences, PSG went on to win the Champions League for the first time shortly after his departure.
While Mbappe has dropped the harassment complaint, tensions between the two parties remain high. He is currently involved in a legal dispute with the club over €55 million (approximately $64.4 million) in unpaid wages and bonuses that he claims are owed to him.
What’s next for Mbappe and PSG?
As Real Madrid continues its Club World Cup campaign, Mbappe’s focus remains on football, but the financial dispute with PSG is far from over. The court proceedings over the unpaid earnings are ongoing, and neither side has indicated a settlement is near. Meanwhile, Mbappe’s career in Spain is off to a strong start, with fans and analysts closely watching how this off-field saga will play out in the months to come.
By Yockshard Enyendi