Lucas Ribeiro Costa
Brazilian forward Lucas Ribeiro Costa has ended his contract with Mamelodi Sundowns, taking the matter to the FIFA Football Tribunal. The 27-year-old, who shone at the FIFA Club World Cup and swept four Premier Soccer League awards last season, says he has just cause to walk away from a deal running until June 2028. Represented by renowned lawyer Jean-Louis Dupont—famous for the Bosman ruling—Ribeiro is using the recent Lassana Diarra case to argue his point. This makes him the first player to test the Diarra ruling’s waters, which challenged FIFA rules on contract stability and player mobility. Sundowns, caught off guard, have hit back, saying they followed all rules and are ready to fight it out.
Ribeiro’s decision stems from a stalled transfer to Qatar SC, where Sundowns reportedly turned down a R61 million offer after upping their demands. The player claims this blocked his career progress, leaving him no choice but to quit. “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 stated. He insists his next club will face no disciplinary or financial fallout, echoing the Diarra case where joint liability for contract breaches was ruled unfair under European Union law.
Sports attorney and former South African Football Association CEO Raymond Hack, speaking on Soccer Beat, called it a tough fight for Ribeiro. “I don’t see on what basis the player would succeed [in this case], as good as [his] lawyer may be for the Bosman case, that was many, many years ago, there’s been many cases since then,” says Hack. “The player can’t just terminate and say, ‘I’m leaving tomorrow, because another club wants to offer me more money’ and if that’s the case, the [interested] club must pay Sundowns what’s due to Sundowns.” Hack stressed that the Diarra ruling applies to European Union worker rights and freedom of movement, not directly to South Africa or African football under the Confederation of African Football rules.
Background on the Lassana Diarra Ruling
The Diarra case dates back to 2014 when the former French midfielder left Lokomotiv Moscow, claiming just cause. FIFA’s Dispute Resolution Chamber ruled against him, ordering €10 million in compensation, and barred new clubs from signing him without sharing liability. Diarra sued FIFA and the Belgian FA at the European Court of Justice, which in October 2024 found parts of FIFA’s rules broke European Union laws on cartels and worker movement. This prompted FIFA to start global talks on contract changes, but Hack notes it does not bind non-European cases. Diarra is now suing FIFA for £56 million in lost earnings.
Ribeiro hopes this opens doors for him, saying Sundowns’ demands made the Qatar move impossible. “Sake of di Diarra ruling by di CJEU, no doubt say di gbege dispute between me and my former club no go prevent me from continuing my career wit anoda club,” he added in a statement. Dupont argues the high fee was exorbitant compared to Ribeiro’s market value, estimated at €3 million by Transfermarkt, though clubs set their own prices.
Sundowns’ Response and Willingness to Negotiate
Sundowns fired back in a statement, saying they learned of the termination through media and are reviewing it legally. They confirmed rejecting Qatar SC’s bid but are open to resuming talks. “Mamelodi Sundowns are open to resuming talks with Qatar SC over Lucas Ribeiro Costa, after rejecting a R61m bid,” per reports. The club stressed their right to value the player, who they developed and showcased at the Club World Cup, where he scored a stunning goal against Borussia Dortmund voted the tournament’s best.
The Brazilians have played four official matches this season without Ribeiro, who sat out due to the dispute. Technically, he remains contracted until cleared, and Sundowns could hold him until 2028 if talks fail, paying his wages but benching him. Hack warned this could happen if the club digs in, though Sundowns are not known for malice. Coach Manqoba Mngqithi might see Ribeiro’s heart elsewhere, risking dressing room tension.
Ribeiro’s Stellar Rise and Potential Impact
Ribeiro joined Sundowns from SK Beveren in Belgium in January 2023 for €500,000. He quickly became a star, scoring 12 goals and assisting 12 in the 2023/24 Premier Soccer League season, earning Player of the Season, Players’ Player, Midfielder, and Goal of the Season awards. At the Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia last December, his long-range strike against Dortmund went viral, drawing global eyes. Qatar SC spotted him there, offering a lucrative deal amid Sundowns’ high demands.
If successful, this case could reshape player rights in Africa, but Hack doubts it. “We in African, we in South Africa. We governed by the rules of the Confederation of African Football,” he said. Ribeiro must first go to FIFA’s Dispute Resolution Chamber, then possibly the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Without clearance, he cannot play elsewhere.
Sundowns, chasing a record-extending eighth straight league title, have depth with players like Teboho Mokoena and Themba Zwane. But losing Ribeiro, a fan favourite, could hurt their attack. Qatar SC, mid-table in the Qatar Stars League, sees him as a boost.
Broader Implications for Football Transfers
This echoes the Bosman ruling of 1995, which freed out-of-contract moves in the European Union. Diarra builds on that, questioning joint liability. FIFA is revising rules, but changes apply globally with care. In South Africa, where contracts bind tightly, Ribeiro’s bid tests limits. If he wins, it might empower players against high fees; if not, it reinforces club power.
Fans are split: some back Ribeiro for chasing dreams, others side with Sundowns for investing in him. Social media buzzes with debates, one calling it “a test for African football’s future.” As the tribunal looms, all eyes are on Zurich for a ruling that could ripple far.
Sundowns remain silent on specifics, but sources say they want fair compensation for a key asset. Ribeiro, training alone, awaits his fate. This saga highlights tensions in modern football, where talent seeks freedom but clubs guard investments. With Dupont leading, it promises drama, but Hack’s view suggests a uphill battle for the Brazilian.
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