No FIFA ruling yet in Lucas Ribeiro Costa and Mamelodi Sundowns dispute

Fresh uncertainty surrounds the dispute between Lucas Ribeiro Costa and Mamelodi Sundowns after the Brazilian forward’s legal representatives said they had not been informed of any FIFA decision.

Reports in recent days claimed FIFA had ordered Ribeiro to pay Sundowns US$4 million, approximately R66 million, and could impose a playing ban if he failed to settle the amount.

However, Sundowns have also indicated that they have not received official notification of the alleged ruling. Broadcaster Robert Marawa said the club gave him that response during his MSW show on 947.

The latest update came from Ribeiro’s lawyer, Jean-Louis Dupont of EU & Sports Law, who told KickOff.com that no decision had been communicated to the player’s camp.

“ No FIFA decision so far,” Dupont said.

His comments followed Marawa’s account of the club’s position. Sundowns reportedly told the broadcaster: “Not as far as we know.”

The statements from both sides mean that neither Ribeiro’s representatives nor Mamelodi Sundowns has confirmed receiving formal communication from FIFA over the reported US$4 million claim or the possible suspension.

How the dispute developed

Ribeiro unilaterally terminated his contract with Mamelodi Sundowns in August 2025.

The forward then moved to Spanish club Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa the following month after receiving his FIFA International Transfer Certificate.

He later continued his career in North Africa by joining Tunisian giants Esperance de Tunis in August. The move followed the collapse of a proposed transfer to Libyan club Al Ittihad SC.

The reported FIFA case has therefore remained unresolved while Ribeiro has moved between clubs since ending his time with Sundowns.

It is still unclear whether FIFA will issue a decision in the matter, or what the next stage of the long-running dispute will be.