Lucas Ribeiro takes Mamelodi Sundowns to FIFA Tribunal after failed Qatar move

Zuko Komisa

Brazilian striker Lucas Ribeiro has reportedly taken Mamelodi Sundowns to the FIFA Football Tribunal to terminate his contract after a move to Qatar SC collapsed.
Voted South Africa’s Player of the Season, Ribeiro has not played for the club since the current season began, despite attracting interest from several teams.
Ribeiro’s agent claims Sundowns acted “unreasonably” in blocking the transfer, forcing the player to seek legal recourse to continue his career.

Mamelodi Sundowns’ star striker, Lucas Ribeiro, has reportedly taken his club to the FIFA Football Tribunal in a bid to terminate his contract.

The Brazilian, who was voted South Africa’s Player of the Season, has not featured for the team since the start of the 2025-2026 campaign.

Ribeiro, the previous season’s top scorer, has attracted interest from several clubs, including some in Europe, since the end of the last season. He cited “just cause” for wanting to leave the Tshwane giants.

In a statement shared to to South African media, the striker said he was confident that a ruling by the Court of Justice of the EU would ensure his future employer could immediately secure his International Transfer Certificate.

Ribeiro’s agent, Jean-Louis Dupont, explained that a “particularly generous” offer from Qatar SC was rejected by Sundowns, who “attempted to drive up the price, again and again, in an unreasonable manner,” ultimately scuppering the deal.

With his future uncertain, Ribeiro stated he is now considering offers to find “the one that will allow me to flourish as a sportsman.”