With Mamelodi Sundowns star Lucas Ribeiro Costa quick to create animosity towards the club, a law expert has balanced the situation, with arguments for the eight-time consecutive league champions.
With threats to terminate his contract at Sundowns over transfer disagreements, Ribeiro has painted the club in a negative light, as without specifics on the situation, the Tshwane giants have not been able to defend themselves in the media.
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"Objectively, it must be acknowledged that Mamelodi Sundowns FC is a commercial
entity with legitimate business interests in football.
"Should the club wish to sell any of its players, it retains the right to do so on its own terms for as long as the player remains contracted to the club," Mphahlele said, sharing legal insights on the matter, exclusively to KickOff.com.
"It is worth observing that there is a growing trend of elite international clubs expressing interest in African talent, often enticing players with offers without the necessary will to provide fair compensation to the clubs from which the players originate.
"This raises questions about ethics and commercial fairness in such transactions.
"Whilst it is important for local (PSL) players to gain international exposure, the agreements for the same must be based on fair commercial transactions that do not detriment any of the parties involved.
"As a result of these or similar occasions, clubs like Sundowns are left to face the challenge of managing disgruntled players as a result of external interest.
"This situation underscores the need for consistent application of principles of fairness and sportsmanship, both by the clubs and players involved," added Mphahlele.
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"A key takeaway is that African clubs must not be coerced into limiting their ambitions and participation in the global football economic market.
"Disputes like these highlight the importance of equitable participation in the sports commercial landscape."
Photo: Dirk Kotze/Gallo Images
