💸 Brazilian club claims R$745m from Lyon, here's why

💸 Brazilian club claims R$745m from Lyon, here's why Botafogo announced the start of a legal battle against Lyon , from France, to collect a debt that exceeds R$ 745 million. The lawsuit, filed last Friday (3), exposes a serious internal split within Eagle Football, the multi-club network led by American businessman John Textor, to which both teams belong. According to the official statement released by the Rio club, the multimillion-dollar outstanding amount stems from financial contributions made by Botafogo, as loans, to help the French side at the end of 2022.

At that time, shortly after being acquired by Textor’s holding company, Lyon was under heavy pressure from banks over payments and was at risk of severe sanctions. Botafogo’s help was even crucial for the French team to avoid relegation and reach the Europa League in the very first year of management. The collaborative model between the teams fell apart amid friction between the partners of the Eagle Group.

According to Glorioso, Lyon’s new president unilaterally broke the cooperation agreement and suspended the payment of financial obligations to the other clubs in the network. For Botafogo, which enjoyed a historic 2024 with the Brazilian Championship and Copa Libertadores titles, the French default brought direct and severe impacts. The club’s board says the shortfall compromised planning, stalled player renewals and signings, and was the trigger for the club to receive a FIFA transfer ban (a punishment that prevents player registrations) at the end of 2025.

Botafogo revealed that Lyon also owes around 12 million euros (approximately R$ 71. 4 million) to RWDM Brussels, a Belgian club that is also part of Eagle’s portfolio. In an official statement, Botafogo’s SAF made it clear that going to court is a point of no return.