The choice that Lucas Ribeiro Costa has made in seeking his clearance from Mamelodi Sundowns after filing the termination of his contract was always bound to happen the moment he emerged as a top performer at the FIFA Club World Cup.
This is what this website has been told by two Brazilians who previously played in the PSL.
In working with top lawyer Jean-Louis Dupont, Ribeiro has turned to the FIFA Tribunal and will hope the landmark Lassana Diarra ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) gives him the edge to take this route, which he aims to win and allow him a move of his choice.
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Sundowns have apparently turned down several offers, which included one above the market value, from Qatar SC.
The 26-year-old’s evaluation was estimated at R52 million.
All this has happened after Ribeiro delivered 60 goals/assists in 88 appearances in two years at Sundowns before taking the PSL Footballer of the Season, Players’ Player of the Season, Top Goal Scorer, and Goal of the Season awards.
His goal at the Club World Cup was also voted as the best.
"The PSL is not the pinnacle for Brazilian footballers, so it is not surprising Ribeiro is behaving this way.
"You need to understand that a top-performing Brazilian can’t be in South Africa.
"Understanding the mentality of Brazilians means they are not hesitant in seeking the best money for themselves.
"Do you honestly think a top Brazilian player would be excited about playing in South Africa?
"No chance.
"It is obvious Ribeiro feels he needs to now move on and with a move to Qatar he will do so for financial reasons because I have heard he will earn big money there.
"I don’t know his family, but there is good reason that he wants to improve their conditions for generations to come,” says one Brazilian who played in the PSL before.
"This is normal that Ribeiro wants out at Sundowns after doing so well at the Club World Cup.
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"I’m sure he keeps being asked what he is doing in South Africa when he can be making better money in better leagues.
"They don’t care anymore that when he came to the PSL he was struggling.
"Brazilians are unapologetic about their desires, so I’m not surprised it has gotten to this," adds another ex-PSL footballer from the only nation to ever win the World Cup five times.
Photo: Daniel Hlongwane/Gallo Images
