On Friday, Spanish second-division side Cultural Deportiva Leonesa unveiled Ribeiro as their new signing, presenting him as a free agent after FIFA issued his International Transfer Certificate.

SABC Sport understands, however, that FIFA’s decision to release the ITC does not amount to a ruling on the contractual dispute between Ribeiro and Sundowns.

Instead, the governing body acted under new regulations which prevent local associations — in this case SAFA — from clearing foreign players, a measure designed to avoid delays in cross-border transfers.

Sources close to the situation have indicated that Sundowns, working alongside their legal team and SAFA, have been advised by FIFA to take the matter to the football tribunal for a definitive judgment.

Ribeiro still had a year left on his Sundowns contract, with the club holding options to extend for two further seasons. The player escalated the dispute to FIFA, with his lawyers arguing that Sundowns’ demands effectively blocked any potential move.

While Leonesa confirmed Ribeiro has signed a one-year deal, it is believed the Spanish outfit will hold off on fielding him until the tribunal delivers its ruling in the coming weeks.

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