John's departure, million-dollar investment and Pedro Certezas' statement: the latest news from Botafogo

In the last few hours, the focus of news about Botafogo has been on the club's behind-the-scenes activities, with highlights of the team's day-to-day life.

In light of this context, read below a summary prepared by the Gávea News portal team to keep you well informed!

Botafogo is experiencing a tense moment behind the scenes, with conflicts between John Textor and the other partners of Eagle Football Holdings, which also manages clubs like Lyon. The dispute, which has been dragging on since April, reached the courts earlier this week, when Eagle filed a lawsuit against Textor's decisions, alleging illicit practices and classifying him as a risk to the business.

John Textor, owner of Botafogo's SAF, will receive an astronomical amount (Photo: Vítor Silva/Botafogo)

Pedro Certezas, an influencer close to the fans, took to social media to express concern, stating he was pessimistic about the instability. His comments reflect the climate of uncertainty among fans and club figures, such as Carlos Augusto Montenegro, who accused Textor of trying to maintain control without having the resources to do so.

The conflict stems from administrative issues at Lyon, which weakened Textor's position within Eagle. Since then, resistance to his management has grown, and the impact is already being felt at Botafogo, with doubts about the continuation of the SAF model adopted by the club.

With the uncertain future, fears grow of structural changes that could affect the team's sporting performance and financial stability. For fans, the main concern is that the political conflict will compromise their work on the field.

Million dollar investment

Amid the crisis, the SAF Board of Directors approved the use of Botafogo's assets as collateral for a new company owned by John Textor, based in the Cayman Islands. The agreement provides for a payment of up to €100 million (approximately R$636 million) and a loan of the same amount to the club, in exchange for the purchase of a €150 million debt from Eagle Football.

Botafogo's crest (Photo: Disclosure/ Botafogo)

The transaction involves virtually all of the club's main revenue streams—broadcasting rights, sponsorships, ticket sales, fan membership fees, and player sales. Eagle Football is challenging the measure in court, alleging a governance violation and a lack of consultation with members.

The episode intensifies the climate of distrust and increases the pressure on Textor, who will need to show concrete results to contain the wear and tear and avoid legal and sporting consequences.

John's departure

Botafogo star goalkeeper John is close to a move to West Ham. According to Fabrizio Romano, a verbal agreement has already been reached and involves €10 million (approximately R$63.4 million). The player has accepted the terms and is awaiting the completion of the paperwork to travel to England.

John, Botafogo goalkeeper (Photo: Vitor Silva/ Botafogo)

The departure is a technical blow to Bruno Lage's squad, which will lose its undisputed starter at a crucial moment in the season. Internally, the transfer was expected due to the European pressure, and the club is seeking replacements in the market.

In addition to the sporting impact, the sale reinforces SAF's strategy of valuing and trading assets, keeping Botafogo in the spotlight in the European market and opening up new opportunities.