Lucas Ribeiro Costa's standoff with Mamelodi Sundowns far from over as lawyer says Brazilian can continue playing elsewhere in the meantime - 'The resolution of this dispute will take months'

Earlier this week, Lucas Ribeiro Costa announced his departure from Mamelodi Sundowns after spending two seasons at the club.

The 26-year-old terminated his Masandawana contract, but the club has yet to accept his action, as his current deal is set to expire in June 2028.

That has seen the Brazilian approaching lawyer Jean-Louis Dupont, who says the player is free to join the club of his choice, although he admits the wrangle between the attacker and Sundowns might take time to resolve.

"No [the issue will not be resolved soon]. And it is totally normal: the resolution of this dispute will take months [and even years if there is an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport]," Dupont told Soccer Laduma.
"But, in the meantime and according to the new FIFA rules themselves [post-Diarra judgement], Mister Ribeiro will be able to continue his career peacefully, with any other club of his choice, without being blocked by Mamelodi Sundowns.
"Indeed, following the Diarra judgement [CJEU], FIFA has had to amend its rules so that the ex-club cannot block the international transfer certificate anymore." 

The Brazilian was recently spotted in Spain watching a Segunda Division match between Cultural Leonesa and Leganes.

Reports suggest he is close to joining Cultural Leonesa, which is said to be keen on his services.

However, Leonesa might be carefully treading in their approach to Ribeiro, fearing they might sign and field a player legally contracted with another club.

Ribeiro is yet to play competitive football this season and going for weeks without being involved in an official match could be a regress in his career.