In shocking news, Mamelodi Sundowns are set for a showdown in the FIFA Football Tribunal with midfielder and PSL Footballer of the Season Lucas Ribeiro Costa, who has made known his desire to leave.
Ribeiro has been the subject of interest from several clubs abroad, and had been reported to be close to sealing a deal with Qatar SC in Qatar, but the deal fell through.
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He is yet to feature for the Tshwane giants this season, with one MTN8 match played and three in the league.
It has now been revealed that Sundowns allegedly 'drove up' the asking fee, placing the Brazilian's price tag well above what he is valued by Transfermarkt.
Following an enquiry, Ribeiro's representative on the matter, Jean-Louis Dupont, sent KickOff.com a press statement to clarify what the sticking point is as well as the next steps.
What is clear is that the relationship between the player and the club has broken down and appears irrepairable, with the 26-year-old revealing, "I will now consider what is best for the future of my career in order to make the right choice..."
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Lucas RIBEIRO COSTA has terminated his contract with Mamelodi Sundowns FC
Lucas RIBEIRO COSTA, a professional football player of Brazilian nationality, announces that he has terminated his employment contract with the South-African club Mamelodi Sundowns FC on 1 August 2025.
Lucas RIBEIRO COSTA recently participated with Mamelodi Sundowns FC in the FIFA Club World Cup, where he was awarded the prize for the best goal of the tournament.
In light of this termination of contract, Lucas RIBEIRO COSTA has referred the matter to the FIFA Football Tribunal for a ruling on the consequences of this termination with his former club.
Lucas RIBEIRO COSTA states:
"I believe that I have just cause to terminate my contract with Mamelodi Sundowns FC, which I will explain before the FIFA Football Tribunal. However, in any event, following the Diarra ruling by the CJEU, there is no doubt that the dispute between me and my former club will not prevent me from continuing my career with peace of mind: indeed, following its own regulations (as amended in light of the Diarra judgement), FIFA will see to it that the international transfer certificate be immediately delivered upon request by my future employer.
I have received expressions of interest from various clubs, including some within the European Union, and I will now consider what is best for the future of my career in order to make the right choice, i.e. the one that will allow me to flourish as a sportsman and try to provide for the future of my family, knowing that a player's career is short and unpredictable.
As a reminder, following the DIARRA ruling, my next employer will not be involved in the dispute between me and Mamelodi Sundowns FC, neither from a disciplinary perspective nor financially ».
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Lucas RIBEIRO COSTA is represented in this dispute by Mr Jean-Louis DUPONT, Attorney-at-law (Barcelona Bar).