Lucas Ribeiro’s proposed Al-Ittihad move remains on hold amid FIFA dispute

Lucas Ribeiro’s hopes of securing a move to Libyan side Al-Ittihad remain uncertain as the player continues to await a ruling from FIFA over his long-running dispute with Mamelodi Sundowns.

The Brazilian forward appeared close to taking the next step in his career after reportedly reaching an agreement in principle on a two-year deal with the Libyan club.

However, unresolved legal issues connected to his departure from Sundowns continue to cast doubt over the transfer.

With no decision yet delivered by FIFA, Ribeiro’s future remains unclear, leaving the proposed switch to North Africa dependent on the outcome of the case.

FIFA case continues to overshadow transfer plans

The dispute dates back to the beginning of last season when Ribeiro ended his contract with Mamelodi Sundowns on his own initiative.

His departure quickly became the subject of a legal disagreement, with the South African club challenging the circumstances surrounding the termination.

Sundowns subsequently referred the matter to FIFA, seeking a ruling on the case.

The issue has remained unresolved ever since, creating uncertainty around the player’s status and limiting his ability to move forward with future career plans.

Although Ribeiro continued playing after leaving South Africa, the legal dispute has followed him throughout the process, preventing a complete resolution of his professional situation.

Previous move also surrounded by controversy

Ribeiro’s subsequent spell in Spain was also affected by the ongoing disagreement.

He joined Cultural Leonesa following his exit from Sundowns, but questions surrounding his contractual situation remained present in the background.

The transfer itself was linked to the unresolved FIFA matter, which had not yet reached a conclusion.

As a result, the player’s time in Spain unfolded under the shadow of a dispute that neither FIFA nor the involved parties have fully settled.

The situation became more complicated following Cultural Leonesa’s relegation from Spain’s Segunda Division to the third tier, leaving Ribeiro without a club and searching for a new opportunity.

Al-Ittihad emerges as potential destination

Despite the uncertainty, Ribeiro has attracted interest from Al-Ittihad, one of Libya’s most prominent clubs.

Reports indicate that an agreement in principle has been reached for a two-year contract.

The move would also reunite the player with Rulani Mokwena, his former coach, who is now in charge of the Libyan side.

That connection has fuelled expectations that a deal could be completed, provided the legal obstacles are removed.

For Al-Ittihad, securing Ribeiro’s signature would represent a significant addition to the squad.

However, the club’s plans remain tied to the FIFA process and the outcome of the ongoing dispute.

Awaiting FIFA’s decision

At present, FIFA has not issued a ruling regarding the disagreement between Ribeiro and Mamelodi Sundowns.

The absence of a decision means uncertainty continues to surround the player’s future and any potential transfer.

Without formal clarification from football’s governing body, the proposed move cannot proceed without questions over the player’s eligibility and contractual position.

The delay has effectively placed Ribeiro in a holding pattern, with both the player and interested clubs waiting for a resolution before making definitive plans.

Future dependent on legal outcome

The next stage of Ribeiro’s career now appears closely linked to the FIFA tribunal’s eventual verdict.

Should the dispute be resolved, the path could open for his transfer to Al-Ittihad and a reunion with Mokwena in Libya.

Until then, however, the uncertainty remains.

The player finds himself at a crossroads after leaving Sundowns, experiencing a difficult period in Spain, and now facing another delay before a possible fresh start.

For the moment, the situation remains unchanged.

Ribeiro is without a club, Al-Ittihad are waiting for clarity, and FIFA’s ruling continues to be the key factor determining what happens next.

Until that decision arrives, one of the most closely watched transfer situations involving a former Sundowns player will remain unresolved.