FIFA lifts Botafogo transfer ban, says owner John Textor | OneFootball

According to L'Équipe, owner John Textor said in a video that FIFA has lifted Botafogo’s transfer ban, allowing the Rio club to register players again and push on with 2026 recruitment.

The sanction had been imposed on 31 December 2025 over a debt linked to the transfer of Argentina international Thiago Almada.

Botafogo won the Brazilian championship and the Copa Libertadores in 2024. Almada now plays for Atlético de Madrid.

The playmaker joined Botafogo in 2024 from MLS side Atlanta United, then lifted both trophies in Rio. He was loaned to Lyon in January 2025 and sold to Atlético in July.

Atlanta United later filed a complaint to FIFA, claiming 21 million dollars, 17.7 million euros, remained unpaid on the fee. FIFA responded by issuing a three-window transfer ban.

Botafogo were bought in 2022 by Eagle Football Holding Bidco, with John Textor installed as owner.

Source: L'Équipe