Mamelodi Sundowns yet to receive FIFA ruling in Lucas Ribeiro dispute

Mamelodi Sundowns say they have not received any official communication from FIFA regarding reports that former forward Lucas Ribeiro has been ordered to pay the club $4 million over a contractual dispute.

Ribeiro left Sundowns in August 2025 after unilaterally terminating his contract following an impressive spell with the South African champions.

The Brazilian had attracted interest from several clubs after playing a key role for Sundowns, including during their campaign at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

He joined Spanish side Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa as a free agent in September 2025 after receiving his FIFA International Transfer Certificate.

Ribeiro spent the 2025/26 season in Spain before leaving the club following their relegation, while his dispute with Sundowns remained unresolved.

Reports recently claimed that the FIFA Football Tribunal had found the 27-year-old guilty of breaching his contract and ordered him to pay Sundowns $4 million.

The reports also suggested that Ribeiro could face a ban from playing if he failed to settle the amount.

Ribeiro was reportedly close to joining Libyan club Al Ittihad after leaving Leonesa, but the move failed to materialise.

He subsequently joined Tunisian giants Espérance de Tunis in August, where he has continued his career despite the unresolved dispute with Sundowns.

For now, there is no confirmation from Sundowns that they have received an official FIFA decision ordering Ribeiro to pay the reported $4 million.

The next step will depend on whether FIFA formally communicates any ruling to the South African club and the player.