Lyon claim Botafogo owe Jeffinho fee, case reportedly taken to FIFA | OneFootball

Lyon believe Botafogo still owe money from the transfer of Jeffinho, a fresh flashpoint in their fallout with John Textor.

According to L'Équipe, tensions have escalated since Eagle Bidco, which holds 85% of Olympique Lyonnais, was taken over by British firm Cork Gully last week. The move removed Textor, president until June last year.

Eagle Football, the multi-club project linking Lyon, Botafogo and Molenbeek, has effectively ceased to exist, along with its shared cash concept. Lyon are now pursuing reimbursement of funds it believes benefited the other clubs during Textor’s tenure.

Jeffinho was signed from Botafogo for €10 million in January 2023, despite being rated at roughly five times less at the time. He was sold back two years later for €5.3 million.

Botafogo, the 2024 Copa Libertadores winners still run by Textor amid mounting criticism in Brazil, have not settled that transfer fee. Lyon are said to have referred the dispute to FIFA to seek payment. Jeffinho, 26, is currently on loan at LN Tieren in China.

Source: L'Équipe