FIFA agent blasts Botafogo board: “Be champions like Flamengo” | OneFootball

Botafogo is going through a financial and sporting crisis even after its 2024 titles

Botafogo had a victorious year in 2024, but the bill has come due. The club is currently facing both a financial and sporting crisis. Thus, agent Fábio Mello, from FIFA, described the black-and-white club’s management as a “disgrace” and said the model to follow is Flamengo.

— To me, Botafogo’s (2024) and Atlético-MG’s (2013) Libertadores titles are a disgrace. So, this model of becoming champion in Brazil needs to end. You have to become champion like Flamengo, you have to become champion like Palmeiras, a club with commitment -, Mello told Sportinsiderbr.

What is wrong with Botafogo?

Businessman John Textor bought Botafogo’s Sociedade Anônima do Futebol (SAF) with the promise of a new financial and sporting reality. The team did manage to win titles in 2024, but the R$ 2.7 billion debt came to light.

Part of the amount refers to unpaid player signings. Beyond the financial issues, the club suffered two early eliminations in recent Libertadores campaigns. Currently, the team sits in 11th place in the Brasileirão and is struggling in the Copa Sudamericana.

Why is Flamengo the model?

While its rival tries to stay afloat, Flamengo is building a winning era based on responsible management. After all, the Most Beloved’s debt has never been so low, even with the signing of players from the world’s top leagues.

What is Flamengo’s next game at the Maracanã?

Flamengo returns to the field this Sunday (19), when the Rubro-Negro faces Bahia. The match kicks off at 7:30 pm (Brasília time) at the Maracanã, for the 12th round of the Brasileirão.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.