Brazilian striker Lucas Ribeiro has taken Mamelodi Sundowns to the FIFA Football Tribunal, seeking to terminate his contract.
Lucas, South Africa’s top scorer and Players’ Player of the Season, has not played for Sundowns since the start of the 2025–2026 season despite having multiple offers.
He cited “just cause” for ending his contract and referenced the EU Court’s Diarra ruling, which ensures a smooth international transfer.
💣 Lucas Ribeiro Costa is attempting to terminate his contract with Mamelodi Sundowns:
“I believe that I have just cause to terminate my contract with Mamelodi Sundowns FC, which I will explain before the FIFA Football Tribunal.”
The Brazilian is represented by the… pic.twitter.com/4JMRaObyC4
— Lorenz Köhler (@Lorenz_KO) August 21, 2025
Lucas’ agent, Jean-Louis Dupont, said Sundowns blocked a transfer to Qatar SC by repeatedly inflating the price, leaving Ribeiro with no choice but to defend his interests through FIFA and potentially state courts.
💣 Lucas Ribeiro Costa is attempting to terminate his contract with Mamelodi Sundowns:
“I believe that I have just cause to terminate my contract with Mamelodi Sundowns FC, which I will explain before the FIFA Football Tribunal.”
The Brazilian is represented by the… pic.twitter.com/4JMRaObyC4
— Lorenz Köhler (@Lorenz_KO) August 21, 2025
Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso stated the club will reveal its stance at the appropriate time.
First published on African Insider
Words compiled by: Batha Madhomu
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