Mamelodi Sundowns legend Hlompho Kekana has opened up on the potential return of Lucas Ribeiro to the club.
The Brazilian star terminated his Sundowns contract in August last year despite having a deal that was due to run until 2028.
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His representatives at Belgian law firm Dupont-Hissel relied on the Diarra ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union, arguing that he was entitled to terminate his contract and obtain an International Transfer Certificate without Sundowns’ consent.
The core dispute is headed to the FIFA Football Tribunal, a process that usually takes one to two years.
If FIFA eventually rules in the club’s favour, Ribeiro could be forced to return to Sundowns, pay heavy compensation, or face strict sporting sanctions.
Kekana says as Sundowns, they’d accept Ribeiro should the club sit down with him and decide to bring him back. He stated it’s normal that people don’t see eye to eye in football.
“We loved the boy, he did so much for us,” said Kekana on SABC Sport.
“We all know that he is a good boy, whatever happened after the Club World Cup really spoiled the good thing he had with the club.
“Of course, as people we always don’t see eye to eye but one day we sit down, speak and we shake hands.
“I just hope that if he wants to play for Mamelodi Sundowns, he can swallow his pride and accept that he was wrong.”
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