Why Ribeiro can play for new club despite standoff with Sundowns

Lucas Ribeiro was unveiled by Spanish second division club Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa on Friday amid an ongoing dispute with Mamelodi Sundowns.

Ribeiro was unveiled as a new player for the team despite Sundowns not agreeing to his departure and not officially releasing him, leaving many questions than answers over the issue.

The Brazilian playmaker terminated his contract with Sundowns on August 1, which was still to run up to 2028, claiming the PSL champions priced him out of a move and made it impossible for him to move to a club of his choice after Qatar SC had reportedly submitted a bid that the player’s camp felt was more than his valuation.

Ribeiro filed a case at the FIFA Tribunal saying he had a just cause to terminate his deal in light of the recent DIARRA ruling by the CJEU and signed a one-year deal with the Spanish club on August 31.

What is giving Ribeiro’s camp confidence?

However, the PSL refused to issue him with an International Transfer Certificate (ICT) as his departure was not sanctioned by Sundowns, but he would receive the document from FIFA, raising questions whether he will be eligible to play for his new club.

According to his legal representatives Dupont Hissel, the player is in the clear as his dispute with Sundowns does not affect his new team which can field him whenever they deem it fit.

“The merits of the dispute between Lucas Ribeiro Costa and Mamelodi Sundowns FC will now be heard and decided, in the first instance, by the FIFA Football Tribunal and, if necessary, on appeal, by the Court of Arbitration for Sport,” Dupont Hissel told iDiski Times.

“These proceedings will be conducted in a calm manner and will in no way interfere with Lucas RIBEIRO COSTA’s ability to practise his profession in Spain.

Sundowns’ reaction highly awaited

“It should be noted that these proceedings only concern Lucas RIBEIRO COSTA and Mamelodi Sundowns FC, but not his new club, Clutural Leonesa. According to standard practice, such proceedings are expected to last between one and two years.”

The length of the case is perhaps giving Ribeiro’s camp confidence that his time at Leonesa will not meet any legal hurdles but Sundowns have been mum over the issue as they wait for the legal process.

It remains to be seen how Sundowns will react but the issue is far from over, even after the player moved, as they did not sanction the transfer and other legal minds have even claimed that Ribeiro is in breach of contract with the South African giants and could face heavy punishment.