Perennial Betway Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundown have responded to Lucas Ribeiro, who on Thursday said he had submitted his resignation from the club in order to force a transfer.
Since the end of the FIFA Club World, the club have rebuffed a number of offers for the Brazilian, who was keen to make a move.
In a statement on Thursday, Ribeiro said he had “just cause” to terminate his contract with the club, and was taking the matter to the FIFA Football Tribunal.
He claimed he was confident that due to recent judicial precedents, his position was strengthened.
On Thursday, Sundowns issued a statement, saying they were still in discussions and negotiations over the transfer of Ribeiro.
Read Sundowns’ full statement below
Mamelodi Sundowns’ success is based on its deep commitment to the development, growth and financial sustainability of the club’s players.
The success and achievements of Mamelodi Sundowns over the past two decades has been based on its deep commitment to the development, growth and financial sustainability of the Club’s players.
Sundowns has made significant investments in its youth academies and in developing and training boys and girls football players, to represent the Club, the South African and other National Teams in competitions on the the African Continent and globally.
Mamelodi Sundowns has also made substantial investments over the years in recruiting, training and acquiring the services of some of the best South African, African and South American football players.
It has always been the policy and commitment of Mamelodi Sundowns to engage and negotiate with football clubs in Africa and worldwide, that are interested in recruiting and acquiring the services of the Club’s players.
The objective of Sundowns in these discussions and negotiations has always been to advance the interests of the player and the Club and to be fair and just, and to contribute to the fulfilment of the interests of all parties.
Mamelodi Sundowns has received enquries, particularly after the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, from a few prominent football clubs that have expressed an interest in acquiring the services of certain Sundowns players.
Mamelodi Sundowns is committed to continue with these discussions and negotiations, as part of its policy and deep commitment to advance the interests of the players and the Club, as well as the fulfilment of the objectives and interests of all parties.
The players, Technical Team, management, Board and the Chairman of Mamelodi Sundowns, Tlhopie Motsepe, are all motivated and inspired to compete and succeed in all competitions in South Africa and on the African Continent.
IOL Sport
