Ribeiro escalates contract dispute with Sundowns to FIFA Tribunal

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Betway Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns are under increasing scrutiny as the dispute with unsettled striker Lucas Ribeiro intensifies.

Earlier this week, the 26-year-old Brazilian forward asked to have his contract with Sundowns terminated, even though more than two years still remains on his current deal.

According to FARPost, interest for Lucas Ribeiro has surfaced from abroad — with Qatar SC and Brazilian giants Fluminense among the clubs linked — though Ribeiro has already turned down Fluminense’s approach.

Determined to secure a move away from the PSL, Ribeiro has grown frustrated by Sundowns’ refusal to let him go, with the club reportedly knocking back several offers, standing firm on their valuation of one of their key forwards.

With negotiations stalling, Ribeiro took the drastic step of escalating the matter to Fifa’s Football Tribunal in hopes of forcing a resolution.

The Pretoria based club has since issued a statement regarding the matter;

“The success and achievements of Mamelodi Sundowns over the past two decades has been based on its deep commitment to the development, growth and financial sustainability of the Club’s players.

Sundowns has made significant investments in its youth academies and in developing and training boys and girls football players, to represent the Club, the South African and other National Teams in competitions on the African Continent and globally.

Mamelodi Sundowns has also made substantial investments over the years in recruiting, training and acquiring the services of some of the best South African, African and South American football players.

It has always been the policy and commitment of Mamelodi Sundowns to engage and negotiate with football clubs in Africa and worldwide, that are interested in recruiting and acquiring the services of the Club’s players.

The objective of Sundowns in these discussions and negotiations has always been to advance the interests of the player and the Club and to be fair and just, and to contribute to the fulfilment of the interests of all parties.

Mamelodi Sundowns has received enquries, particularly after the Fifa Club World Cup 2025, from a few prominent football clubs that have expressed an interest in acquiring the services of certain Sundowns players.

Mamelodi Sundowns is committed to continue with these discussions and negotiations, as part of its policy and deep commitment to advance the interests of the players and the Club, as well as the fulfilment of the objectives and interests of all parties.

The players, Technical Team, management, Board and the Chairman of Mamelodi Sundowns, Tlhopie Motsepe, are all motivated and inspired to compete and succeed in all competitions in South Africa and on the African Continent.”

Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images

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