Lawyer explains why the Mamelodi Sundowns-SC Qatar talks on Lucas Ribeiro Costa ended as the Tshwane giants break silence on transfer wrangle

Lucas Ribeiro Costa has terminated his Mamelodi Sundowns contract after he agreed on personal terms with Qatar SC, but the Middle East side could not reach a deal with Masandawana.

But the Brazilian could go the route of former France international midfielder Lassana Diarra, who had a legal dispute with FIFA, which had refused to issue him an international transfer certificate after he terminated his Lokomotiv Moscow contract for a proposed move to Charleroi in 2015.

Diarra finally won the matter after approaching the Court of Justice of the European Union.

Lawyer Jean-Louis Dupont, who represented Diarra and is also acting for Ribeiro, explains why Sundowns and Qatar SC could not reach an agreement. 

According to BBC Sport, Dupont says Sundowns were offered "well above the player's valuation" by Qatar SC.

However, Masandawana are said to have "attempted to drive up the price, again and again, in an unreasonable manner, without any regard for the player's personal interests, which made the deal impossible."

The Brazilians have also issued a statement explaining how they handle their player transfers saying they are open to entering into negotiations with any club.

"Sundowns has made significant investments in its youth academies and in developing and training boys and girls football players, to represent the club, the South African and other national teams in competitions on the African Continent and globally," Masandawana said in a statement.

"Mamelodi Sundowns has also made substantial investments over the years in recruiting, training and acquiring the services of some of the best South African, African and South American football players.

"It has always been the policy and commitment of Mamelodi Sundowns to engage and negotiate with football clubs in Africa and worldwide, that are interested in recruiting and acquiring the services of the Club’s players," the club added.

"The objective of Sundowns in these discussions and negotiations has always been to advance the interests of the player and the club and to be fair and just, and to contribute to the fulfilment of the interests of all parties.

"Mamelodi Sundowns has received enquiries, particularly after the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, from a few prominent football clubs that have expressed an interest in acquiring the services of certain Sundowns players," the Tshwane giants continued.

"Mamelodi Sundowns is committed to continue with these discussions and negotiations, as part of its policy and deep commitment to advance the interests of the players and the club, as well as the fulfilment of the objectives and interests of all parties."

The Ribeiro case could set a precedent in the Premier Soccer League, also given how Kaizer Chiefs and Cape Town Spurs clashed over the transfer of Asanele Velebayi and Luke Baartman.

Another Sundowns player, Khuliso Mudau, who is reportedly pushing for a move away from Chloorkop, could also opt for the path taken by Ribeiro.

Thapelo Maseko has also already expressed frustration about Sundowns not accepting offers for him from overseas clubs. 

The Brazilians have already been involved in five matches this season without Riveiro and Mudau.

The upcoming days will determine if the players will succeed in moving away from the PSL champions.