Contract battle goes to FIFA?

Mamelodi Sundowns attacker Lucas Ribeiro Costa is set to terminate his employment contract with the club, according to reports.

The 26-year-old Brazilian forward has not played for the Tshwane giants since the FIFA Club World Cup. Riveiro has been linked with several clubs during and after the tournament.

According to Soccer Laduma, the player is going to the FIFA Football Tribunal to have his contract terminated.

Ribeiro to fight Mamelodi Sundowns for his exit?

“I believe that I have just cause to terminate my contract with Mamelodi Sundowns FC, which I will explain before the FIFA Football Tribunal,” Riveiro said as quoted by Soccer Laduma. “However, in any event, following the Diarra ruling by the CJEU, there is no doubt that the dispute between me and my former club will not prevent me from continuing my career with peace of mind: indeed, following its own regulations (as amended in light of the Diarra judgement), FIFA will see to it that the international transfer certificate be immediately delivered upon request by my future employer.

The player revealed that he has received offers from big clubs and he desired to move.

“I have received expressions of interest from various clubs, including some within the European Union, and I will now consider what is best for the future of my career in order to make the right choice, i.e. the one that will allow me to flourish as a sportsman and try to provide for the future of my family, knowing that a player’s career is short and unpredictable.

“As a reminder, following the DIARRA ruling, my next employer will not be involved in the dispute between me and Mamelodi Sundowns FC, neither from a disciplinary perspective nor financially,” Ribeiro said.