CAPE TOWN – Mamelodi Sundowns have issued an official response after playmaker Lucas Ribeiro informed the club of his desire to have his contract terminated, addressing both the situation and the club’s position on the matter.
Brazilian forward Ribeiro, who last featured for the Tshwane-based side during the recent FIFA Club World Cup, has officially confirmed the termination of his contract with the Betway Premiership champions.
With matters not unfolding in his favour, the 26-year-old has escalated the dispute to the FIFA Football Tribunal, where he is now seeking a formal ruling on the implications and potential consequences of his contract termination.
“I believe that I have just cause to terminate my contract with Mamelodi Sundowns FC, which I will explain before the FIFA Football Tribunal,” said Ribeiro in statement.
“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,” states Ribeiro.”
However, Sundowns moved swiftly to release an official statement, seeking to clarify the situation and provide their side of the story regarding Ribeiro’s contract dispute.
Full Statement:
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 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.
Image: @Masandawana/Twitter.
