Lucas Ribeiro takes Mamelodi Sundowns to FIFA Tribunal seeking contract termination

947’s Robert Marawa speaks with Mandla Tshabalala, Managing Director of PM Tshabalala Incorporated.

Listen below:

Lucas Ribeiro has terminated his contract with Mamelodi Sundowns and has taken the club to the FIFA Football Tribunal. 

The Brazilian player, who has not played for Sundowns since the FIFA Club World Cup, believes the club obstructed his future aspirations by rejecting lucrative transfer offers.

His lawyer, Jean-Louis Dupont, says Qatar SC made Sundowns an offer that was 'well above the player’s valuation'.

They claim Sundowns attempted to drive up the price unreasonably, which made the deal 'impossible'. 

The club says it is still in discussions and negotiations over Riberio’s transfer.

With Ribeiro’s contract only set to expire in 2028, Sundowns can claim compensation from the player or his next club.

“We got here because somewhere the club has promised him better opportunities, especially on the financial side… now the player decides he wants to explore those opportunities.” 

– Mandla Tshabalala, Managing Director – PM Tshabalala Incorporated

“It could be a serious setback to Sundowns if the player did indeed terminate his contract, because no one should be forced to continue to be an employee.”

– Mandla Tshabalala, Managing Director – PM Tshabalala Incorporated

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the discussion.