Southampton have won another important step in their dispute with Atlético-MG over the transfer of Lyanco.
The Brazilian club took their case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, challenging FIFA’s decision over an unpaid instalment. That appeal has now largely failed.
Atlético Mineiro have been ordered to pay Southampton €1.125m (£980k), plus interest. They have 45 days from notification to settle the debt.
There is also a significant threat hanging over them. Failure to pay could lead to a registration ban lasting as many as three transfer windows.
Southampton’s claim largely upheld
Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte reports that CAS rejected most of Atlético’s appeal.
The only point which went the Brazilian club’s way concerned the interest. That is set at 9% per year.
Atlético argued it should be calculated from August 22nd, 2025. The previous ruling had used July 2nd, 2025 as the starting point.
CAS accepted that part of their case. Everything else of importance stayed in Southampton’s favour.
The dispute comes from Lyanco’s €5.2m (£4.5m) move to Atlético in 2024. That fee was divided into five instalments running until July 2026.
Southampton went to FIFA in October 2025 after the third payment was not made on time. It was worth €1.125m (£980k) and had been due that July.
FIFA’s Dispute Resolution Chamber sided with Southampton. Atlético then took the matter to CAS, but have now failed to overturn the central part of that ruling.
Atlético told Globo Esporte they recognise the existence of disputes at FIFA and CAS level. They believe there have been some “excesses” and say this can open the way for talks over payment.
Another €1.125m dispute is still waiting
There is another problem for Atlético, and potentially another payment coming Southampton’s way. The fourth instalment, also worth €1.125m (£980k), was due on January 1st this year.
Southampton notified Atlético again on January 19th after that payment was missed. The Premier League club then took the matter to FIFA in March.
Atlético argued they had not received valid and updated invoices. FIFA rejected that explanation in April.
The Brazilian side were again ordered to pay the full amount, with interest, within 45 days. A registration ban was again included as the potential punishment for non-payment. That second case is still awaiting a final decision.
So while Southampton now have a strong CAS ruling behind them over one instalment, the wider Lyanco payment issue is not finished yet. Another €1.125m (£980k) remains the subject of a separate dispute.
