The football club Mamelodi Sundowns have moved to stress their long-standing commitment to player development and fair transfer dealings.

This comes after reports that striker Lucas Ribeiro has approached FIFA in an attempt to terminate his contract with the Brazilians after struggling to secure a move abroad.

In a statement released on August 21, the club said its two decades of success were built on a deep commitment to the development, growth and financial sustainability of its players.

https://x.com/Masandawana/status/1958555403752476787

MEDIA RELEASE: MAMELODI SUNDOWNS’ SUCCESS IS BASED ON ITS DEEP COMMITMENT TO THE DEVELOPMENT, GROWTH AND FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY OF THE CLUB’S PLAYERS.

Full release on our website 📲 https://t.co/vbx9DDzVVm#Sundowns pic.twitter.com/aCrjOQdYih

— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) August 21, 2025

“We have made significant investments in its youth academies, developing and training boys and girls to represent the club, the South African national team, and other national sides across Africa and the globe,” read the statement.

The club further highlighted its role in attracting and nurturing world-class football talent.

“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.”

The Brazilians emphasised that it has always pursued a fair and balanced approach in negotiations with international clubs.

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

Mamelodi Sundowns also acknowledged that interest in its players has intensified in recent months, particularly after the team’s participation in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

“Mamelodi 7Sundowns 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,” it confirmed.

Ribeiro is reportedly among one of those who have been at the centre of that attention, with Qatar SC and Brazilian giants Fluminense allegedly eager to land his signature following his standout displays at the FIFA World Cup.

While Sundowns did not mention Ribeiro by name, its emphasis on continued negotiations with interested parties suggests it is seeking to handle such matters through established channels.

“We are committed to continuing with these discussions and negotiations as part of our policy and deep commitment to advance the interests of the players and the club.”

Chairman Tlhopie Motsepe and the Sundowns hierarchy insisted that, despite off-field distractions, the squad remains motivated to compete on all fronts.

“The players, technical team, management, board, and chairman of Mamelodi Sundowns are all motivated and inspired to compete and succeed in all competitions in South Africa and on the African continent,” the statement continued.

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