Lucas Ribeiro Drags Mamelodi Sundowns to FIFA As He Seeks Exit From PSL Giants

• Mamelodi Sundowns star Lucas Ribeiro has dragged the Pretorian-based club to FIFA over contract dispute
• The Brazilian forward is being linked with a move away from the Premier Soccer League giants since his blistering performance at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the US
• The decision by the South American star drew a lot of reactions from netizens on social media with some being surprised by it

Brazilian star Lucas Ribeiro is reportedly seeking an exit from the Betway Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns this summer, but the club is not ready to let him go.

The South American star has yet to play for the Brazilians this season and hinted at his situation on social media.

The Premier Soccer League giants participated in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States of America. Their standout player was Ribeiro, and despite Miguel Cardoso's side's inability to qualify for the knockout stage, the Brazilian star went on to win Goal of the Tournament with his strike against Borussia Dortmund.

Read also

Themba Zwane set to miss months after Mamelodi Sundowns injury

Ribeiro's performance in that competition boosted his profile on the international stage and caught the attention of several top clubs.

The player now wants his contract with Masandawana terminated which will give him the chance to leave and join his preferred club this summer.

Ribeiro takes Sundowns to FIFA over contract dispute

Following his unexpected departure from Mamelodi Sundowns’ pre-season camp, Ribeiro has escalated the dispute to the FIFA Football Tribunal, seeking clarity on the legal consequences of his contract termination. The Brazilian forward maintains that he acted within his legal rights.

“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.

Ribeiro is reportedly confident that recent legal precedents, most notably the high-profile case of former Real Madrid star Lassana Diarra ruled on by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), will support his case and clear the path for him to continue his professional career without restrictions.

Read also

Ribeiro drops cryptic message ahead of Sundowns' clashes with Pirates & Chiefs

“My next employer will not be involved in the dispute between me and Mamelodi Sundowns FC, neither from a disciplinary perspective nor financially,” he wrote.

Fans react as Ribeiro drags Sundowns to FIFA

nicholasp2105 said:

"If FIFA allows this,it won't be necessary to buy a player.If a team wants a player just tell him to go to FIFA Tribunal to terminate .No need for contracts."

thisandtgat_ shared:

"Sundowns is terrible when it comes to releasing good players. They rather make money out of them if not destroy them. This Marabastad team must grow up! I bet you Shalulile is playing against his will. Mudau's career is being destroyed and Ribeiro is fighting back. Yesses¡!!!"

FanbaseXtra wrote:

"We stand with Mamelodi Sundowns during this difficult times. He must honor his contract."

mrdjmavi reacted:

"The rest i see. This is too much. There is clearly a satanic spirit at Sundowns💀💀💀"

Read also

Sirino sparks Chiefs with warning to Sundowns but injury dampens mood

thulani_mdavu added:

"I'm a Pirates fan and I'm going defend Sundowns on this one, Riberio must honour his contract and Sundowns must never be backed to a corner and held at ransom by players and public pressure. We cannot ask our clubs to function like a Mickey Mouse entity! A contract must honoured!"

Source: Briefly News