Botafogo fans urge board for transparency and future vision | OneFootball

On the afternoon of this Friday, members of Botafogo’s organized fan groups met with executives from the club’s SAF at Nilton Santos Stadium to demand “transparency, planning, and a vision for the future” in the club’s management. Representing the Glorioso, Alessandro Brito, Jonas Marmello, Joel Carli, and Fellipe Portella attended the meeting.

“Our demands were clear: transparency, planning, and, above all, a vision for the future that matches the greatness of Botafogo. We acknowledge that there are difficulties, but it is non-negotiable that management be honest with the fans — who have always given their lives for this club,” said a statement released by the Loucos Pelo Botafogo supporters group.

During the conversation, the executives informed that the club’s financial issues are being handled directly by John Textor, who considers resolving these matters a priority. The board also reaffirmed its confidence in the squad and in the work of coach Martín Anselmi for the season.

Protests

Due to the crisis and dissatisfaction with the club’s current situation, the organized fan groups have called for a protest this Saturday, before Botafogo’s match against Bangu, at 9:00 p.m. (Brasília time), in the vicinity of Nilton Santos Stadium.

Transfer ban and loss of players

Currently, Botafogo is facing a transfer ban and is prevented from registering new players due to a sanction imposed by FIFA. The punishment was prompted by a lawsuit filed by Atlanta United, from the United States, which accuses the Rio club of not fully paying the transfer fee for Argentine attacking midfielder Thiago Almada, completed in 2024.

In addition, Botafogo has lost important players from its squad. Marlon Freitas was transferred to Palmeiras, while Savarino was sold to rivals Fluminense.

Read the full statement:

“On the afternoon of this Friday, we were at Nilton Santos Stadium for a meeting with the SAF Botafogo board. Representing the club, Alessandro Brito, Jonas Marmello, Joel Carli, and Fellipe Portella attended.

Our demands were clear: transparency, planning, and, above all, a vision for the future that matches the greatness of Botafogo. We acknowledge that there are difficulties, but it is non-negotiable that management be honest with the fans — who have always given their lives for this club.

We questioned the negative news and the lack of official communication. Regarding the points discussed, we highlight:

• Transfer ban and Finances: We were informed that resolving the financial issues is being treated as a priority directly by John Textor. We demanded that the club communicate better and stop leaving the fans at the mercy of media speculation. We emphasize that protests and vigilance will continue regarding John Textor’s responsibilities; we demand definitive solutions, not promises.

• Football Planning: The board stated that they trust the current squad and the work of the new coaching staff, regardless of the arrival of immediate reinforcements. We expressed our dissatisfaction with players leaving for rival clubs, something we consider unacceptable from a competitiveness standpoint.

• Commitment on the Field: We will support the squad and professionals during the 90 minutes, as the moment calls for unity. However, before and after the final whistle, the demand for professionalism and results will be relentless.

Botafogo belongs to its fans. If another great comeback is needed, we will be here. But we warn, this requires responsibility and honesty with the club’s greatest asset: Our People.”

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