Mamelodi Sundowns has released a statement following the news of being taken to the FIFA Tribunal by Lucas Ribeiro seeking to have his contract terminated after struggling to secure an overseas move.
The 26-year-old attracted interest from abroad after impressing in the FIFA Club World Cup, and clubs including Qatar SC and Brazilian side Fluminense were reported to have submitted offers; however, nothing has materialised.
News broke out on Thursday that Ribeiro has approached the football governing body, stating that he has “just cause” to have his contract terminated with Downs.
“I believe that I have just cause to terminate my contract with Mamelodi Sundowns FC, which I will explain before the FIFA Football Tribunal,” Ribeiro said in a statement.
“My next employer will not be involved in the dispute between me and Mamelodi Sundowns FC – neither from a disciplinary perspective nor financially,” Ribeiro added.
Sundowns’ statement did not mention the Brazilian midfielder but confirmed receiving offers for certain players after partaking in the FIFA Club World Cup.
“Mamelodi Sundowns has received enquiries, 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,” Downs’ statement reads.
Ribeiro joined the Brazilians in July 2023 on a five-year deal, which keeps him at the club until June 2028.
