Lucas Ribeiro Costa Set for Spanish Move Amid FIFA Clearance Process

Lucas Ribeiro Costa is set to leave Mamelodi Sundowns for Spanish side Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa, but questions remain over when he will be cleared to play.

Ribeiro terminated his contract with Sundowns, which was due to expire in 2028, citing “just cause.” He claimed the club rejected generous offers from overseas suitors. The Brazilian was reportedly present in the stands for Deportiva’s match against Leganes, while his lawyer, Jean-Louis Dupont, works to secure permission for him to play. The case has yet to be formally reviewed by FIFA’s Dispute Resolution Chamber.

The situation follows a precedent set by the Lassana Diarra case. FIFA, influenced by a European Court of Justice ruling, can issue a provisional International Clearance Certificate (ICT) even while a dispute is ongoing. The ECJ found that FIFA rules previously restricted players’ freedom of movement within the European Union.

The provisional ICT can be granted immediately or may take weeks or months, depending on the complexity of the case. Dupont told Spanish outlet Heruldo de Leon that he hoped the issue “would be resolved within days,” but added that “the substance of the matter can and usually takes time.”

There are risks if Ribeiro receives provisional clearance. He could face sanctions, suspensions, or even be forced to return to Sundowns if the dispute is resolved against him. Similarly, his new club could face penalties if the Tshwane giants win the case.

If Ribeiro ultimately succeeds, his registration with Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa would become permanent, allowing him to continue his career in Spain. The precedent from the Diarra case protects players who otherwise could be left unable to register with a new club while legal matters are resolved.

Ribeiro’s move highlights ongoing challenges for South African players seeking opportunities abroad, balancing legal hurdles with career ambitions.