Richarlison turns to FIFA rule as Tottenham future hangs in balance
Richarlison has lodged a request to invoke article 15 of the FIFA Regulations in order to terminate his contract with Tottenham, while a Vasco director has officially confirmed the Brazilian club’s proposal to sign the striker.
Diretor of Vasco da Gama affirmed the club’s intent to acquire Richarlison, signalling a serious bid to bring the forward back to Brazil. The Brazilian side is among several interested parties, though Tottenham have yet to receive an offer they deem acceptable.
Richarlison’s legal team is examining the possibility of invoking the “sporting just cause” clause, which permits a player to end a contract when playing time falls below a set threshold. Lawyers argue that his limited minutes satisfy the condition. Segundo o The Times, the rule could allow him to walk away without a transfer fee.
FIFA rule offers possible exit
Article 15 of the FIFA Regulations states that a player may terminate his contract if he has featured in less than ten percent of a club’s matches during a season. Richarlison started only one of Tottenham’s first four league games, a participation rate well below the required ten percent.
De Zerbi’s squad exclusion fuels dispute
Roberto De Zerbi left Richarlison out of Tottenham’s 25‑man squad for the Premier League, effectively barring him from the competition. The striker has also been training separately from the first‑team group. “Richarlison decided everything alone. He told me at the start of pre‑season his idea and desire were to leave,” De Zerbi told reporters.
Richarlison’s contract with Tottenham runs until the next summer, with the club retaining an option to extend. He joined the London side in 2022 from Everton for a fee of £60 million. Since arriving, he has scored 32 goals in 134 appearances, including 11 league goals in the most recent season.
Transfer valuations and interest
Several clubs have shown interest, but no permanent offer has satisfied Tottenham. Trabzonspor reportedly made an informal £20 million proposal, while the North London club values the forward at roughly £35 million in a potential deal involving Everton.
Everton approached Tottenham before the Premier League window closed, but Richarlison rejected a return to his former club. Vasco’s interest remains, yet the Portuguese‑speaking club has not presented an offer deemed acceptable by Tottenham.
With his contract still in force and his name omitted from the Premier League squad, Richarlison’s legal challenge continues. The outcome will determine whether he departs the club or remains under contract for another season.