After the fiasco, the response. Owner of Olympique Lyonnais, John Textor also owns Botafogo which experienced a nightmarish end to the championship in Brazil. Long in the lead, up to 13 points ahead at one point in the season, the Brazilian club completely collapsed with only 6 points taken in the last 11 games. A collapse which earned him a 5th place at the finish and the anger of Textor, determined not to stop there. According to The Athletic this Friday, the American businessman asked the Superior Court of Sports Justice of Brazil (STJD) to annul the results of six Brazilian Serie A matches or request that they be replayed in January if the matches turn out to be fixed.
In a letter sent to the STJD by its general director, Thairo Arruda, Botafogo denounces “numerous refereeing errors” and “possible manipulation” of the results which “concern him greatly”. The club, which also suggested five ideas to improve refereeing in Brazil, saw its request rejected by the body, judging Botafogo’s claims “subjective and inconsistent”.
However, Textor would like to go further by bringing the matter before the Brazilian courts. He could then take civil action against the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) without risking sporting sanctions. The OL boss particularly emphasizes Botafogo’s defeat against Palmeiras (3-4), crowned champion since then, during which his team wasted a three-goal lead after suffering a red card. Textor, angry on the sidelines, shouted “corruption” live on television before being suspended for 30 days for this bloodshed.
“We have several teams ready to file an action to cancel the entire season. We have a mountain of evidence that can prove the fraud of this season’s results,” the American told The Athletic. Business to follow for the manager, definitely in trouble with several of his clubs…
