Mainz sports director Christian Heidel insists Crystal Palace can only axe Jean-Philippe Mateta in January on their say-so.
Palace are keen to cut short Mateta's loan in the New Year.
But Heidel says: "The contract is clear. Mateta has a contract with Crystal Palace until June 2022. In terms of sport, it also seems to be clear. He can leave the club in winter. This only happens with our consent.
An early return is currently not being considered.
Heidel continued: "We'll see what we can do with this constellation. We approach this very calmly and talk to his adviser."
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