On 1 August, Lucas Ribeiro Costa terminated his contract with South African club Mamelodi Sundowns FC, based in particular on the recent DIARRA ruling by the CJEU.

On 31 August, Lucas Ribeiro Costa signed a new employment contract with Spanish club Cultural Leonesa.

Mamelodi Sundowns FC and the South African Football Association opposed the issuance of the ITC through various manoeuvres.

On 11 September, Lucas Ribeiro Costa and Cultural Leonesa submitted a request to FIFA for the issuance of the ITC.

In accordance with its new rules, which recognised the obligation to issue the ITC immediately as imposed by the CJEU in its DIARRA ruling, FIFA has now issued the ITC, allowing Lucas Ribeiro Costa to play in official competitions for Cultural Leonesa.

The merits of the dispute between Lucas Ribeiro Costa and Mamelodi Sundowns FC will now be heard and decided, in the first instance, by the FIFA Football Tribunal and, if necessary, on appeal, by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

These proceedings will be conducted in a calm manner and will in no way interfere with Lucas RIBEIRO COSTA's ability to practise his profession in Spain.

It should be noted that these proceedings only concern Lucas RIBEIRO COSTA and Mamelodi Sundowns FC, but not his new club, Clutural Leonesa.

According to standard practice, such proceedings are expected to last between one and two years.

We are issuing this press release in our capacity as solicitors representing Mr Lucas RIBEIRO COSTA.

https://cydleonesa.com/noticia/lucas-ribeiro-se-incorpora-a-la-cultural-y-deportiva-leonesa/