Brazilian football club Botafogo has found itself in hot water with FIFA after failing to settle an outstanding transfer fee for Argentine midfielder Thiago Almada. The world football governing body has imposed a registration ban, preventing Botafogo from signing new players for the next three transfer windows until the debt is resolved.
FIFA confirmed on Wednesday that the ban follows a formal complaint by Major League Soccer (MLS) side Atlanta United. The complaint states that when Almada, a 2022 World Cup winner, was sold to Botafogo in 2024, the club failed to pay the agreed $2.1 million transfer fee. Consequently, FIFA has added Botafogo to its ‘registration ban’ list, with the sanction taking effect from 31 December 2025.
Almada, 24, made a significant impact at Botafogo, helping the club secure the Brazilian Serie A title as well as the Copa Libertadores. In January 2025, he was loaned to French side Olympique Lyonnais, before being sold in July to Spanish giants Atlético Madrid.
Botafogo, which was purchased in 2022 by American businessman John Textor, issued a statement assuring fans that negotiations were ongoing. The club said:
“Due to the holiday season, discussions have been temporarily paused. We are optimistic about reaching a resolution before, or at the start of, the January transfer window.”
John Textor, through his investment company Eagle Football Holdings, owns both Botafogo and Lyon. Until earlier this year, he also held a minor stake in English Premier League side Crystal Palace.
Both Botafogo and Lyon are currently embroiled in financial and legal complications related to debts. Textor’s ownership arrangements have caused additional consequences in European competitions: despite qualifying for the Europa League, Crystal Palace were relegated to the Europa Conference League, while Lyon retained their European spot due to finishing higher in the domestic league than Palace in the previous season.
Key Facts:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Player | Thiago Almada |
| Age | 24 |
| Original Club | Atlanta United (MLS) |
| Botafogo Tenure | 2024–2025 |
| Achievements at Botafogo | Brazilian Serie A title, Copa Libertadores |
| Loan & Subsequent Transfers | Loan to Lyon (Jan 2025), sold to Atlético Madrid (Jul 2025) |
| Transfer Fee | $2.1 million USD |
| FIFA Ban | Effective 31 December 2025; three transfer windows |
| Current Ownership | John Textor via Eagle Football Holdings |
| Other Clubs Owned by Textor | Lyon (France), formerly minor stake in Crystal Palace (England) |