Mamelodi Sundowns’ star forward Lucas Ribeiro Costa has taken drastic steps to cut ties with the Tshwane giants, lodging a case with the FIFA Football Tribunal in a bid to have his contract terminated.
The 26-year-old Brazilian, who has not played a single match this season, is believed to be frustrated after a proposed move to Qatar SC collapsed. Reports suggest that Sundowns’ decision to significantly increase Ribeiro’s transfer fee scuppered the deal, despite his willingness to leave. Interest from Brazil’s Fluminense has also been mentioned, but no agreement has been reached.
With negotiations at a standstill, Ribeiro and his legal representatives have escalated matters, involving both the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and the FIFA Tribunal. His case will be handled by Dupont-Hissel, a law firm currently in the spotlight for its role in the precedent-setting “Diarra ruling.”
Ribeiro maintains that he has “just cause” to walk away from his Sundowns contract, citing the Diarra precedent that allows players more freedom of movement when contractual disputes arise. The ruling—originating from Lassana Diarra’s long-running battle with Lokomotiv Moscow—forced FIFA to adapt its rules after the European Court of Justice ruled that certain restrictions unfairly blocked players from pursuing their careers.
In a statement attributed to him, Ribeiro stressed that his next club would not be affected by the dispute:
“FIFA’s regulations now guarantee that my transfer certificate will be delivered immediately, ensuring I can continue my career without interruption. I will weigh up the best options for my future, both for myself and my family.”
Ribeiro has been a standout performer since joining Sundowns from Belgian outfit SK Beveren in 2023. In just two seasons, he has racked up 37 goals and 23 assists in 88 appearances, winning the PSL Golden Boot, PSL Footballer of the Season, and scoring the FIFA Club World Cup Goal of the Tournament against Borussia Dortmund.
Despite his achievements, his relationship with Sundowns now appears beyond repair. With three years still left on his contract, the outcome of the tribunal could have major implications for both the player’s future and how South African clubs handle high-profile transfer disputes going forward.