This article is based entirely on reporting by Africa Soccer, with full credit to the original publication.
The legal battle between former Brazilian defender Ricardo Nascimento and the South African club Royal AM has entered a new phase. According to a report by Africa Soccer, Nascimento’s legal representatives have decided to escalate the long-running financial dispute to FIFPro, the international footballers’ union, following the club’s failure to comply with previous FIFA rulings .
Background of the Dispute
The conflict originated in 2023 when Nascimento sought legal intervention from FIFA after failing to reach a direct settlement with Royal AM regarding his contract. The defender, who spent 15 months with the club, was initially successful in his claim. FIFA ruled in his favor, awarding him R600,000 plus an annual interest rate of 5%, effective from September 2023 .
However, the club failed to fulfill the payment within the stipulated timeframe. This non-compliance led FIFA to impose a significant sanction on January 15, 2024: a transfer ban covering three consecutive registration windows .
Complexity and Club Collapse
The case is further complicated by a separate claim from Marcelo Robalinho, the agent who facilitated Nascimento’s transfer from Mamelodi Sundowns to Royal AM in February 2022. Robalinho asserts that he is owed a 6% commission on the transfer, a payment he maintains the club had previously agreed to .
The current status of the dispute is marked by the following key events:
| Event | Description |
| FIFA Ruling | Awarded R600,000 plus 5% interest to Nascimento in September 2023. |
| Transfer Ban | Imposed by FIFA in January 2024 due to non-payment. |
| Club Expulsion | Royal AM was expelled from the league during the 2024-25 season. |
| Management Shift | Club boss Shawn Mkhize has since taken over Mbabane Highlanders in Eswatini. |
Escalation to FIFPro
Despite the club’s expulsion and the departure of its leadership, Nascimento, now 39 and retired, continues to pursue the awarded funds. His legal team, now bolstered by a new group at his representing law firm, is turning to FIFPro for support. As an international trade union, FIFPro is dedicated to defending players’ rights and providing legal support in disputes involving working conditions and contract enforcement .
“As a trade union, FIFPro defends and advances players’ rights, welfare and working conditions, engaging with governing bodies, leagues, and other stakeholders to ensure players’ voices are heard and respected.” — FIFPro Statement via Africa Soccer .
Nascimento’s career in South Africa was highly successful prior to this dispute, having won 10 trophies during a five-and-a-half-year tenure with Mamelodi Sundowns. The move to FIFPro represents a fresh attempt to secure the compensation granted by FIFA in a case that remains unresolved despite the sanctions already imposed on Royal AM .
References
[1] Ricardo Nascimento takes Royal AM dispute to FIFPro after FIFA ruling – Africa Soccer