Downs seemingly powerless as Fifa clears Ribeiro for Spanish debut

LUCAS Ribeiro Costa has officially transferred from South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns to Spanish club Cultural Leonesa, receiving Fifa's approval to play in Spain's Segunda División.

- HERMAN GIBBS

This dramatic twist has captivated football fans worldwide, and the approval has not only left Sundowns stunned but has also initiated a legal saga that could take months to resolve.

The Brazilian striker's impressive performances at the Fifa Club World Cup had sparked interest across Europe and beyond, ultimately leading to this unexpected move.

Ribeiro, who scored 37 goals and created 23 others in 88 appearances for Sundowns, notably won the 'Goal of the Tournament' with a stunning strike against Borussia Dortmund.

However, his journey to Spain was not without upheaval; the player had three years remaining on his contract with Sundowns when he decided to terminate it due to the club's reluctance to accept lucrative overseas offers.