O Botafogo was punished by FIFA with a transferban due to non-payment to Atlanta United-USA in the negotiation involving midfielder Thiago Almadacurrently at Atlético de Madrid-ESP. The sanction prevents the club from registering new athletes in the next three transfer windows, starting this Wednesday (31/12). The debt is around 21 million dollars, a value equivalent to approximately R$ 115 million, which Alvinegro was forced to pay off immediately after an unfavorable decision.
The black and white board was officially notified of the defeat in the process with the CAS (Corte Arbitral do Esporte) on the 9th. Since then, Botafogo began negotiations with Atlanta United in an attempt to renegotiate the payment terms.
Currently, the club does not have the financial conditions to pay the full amount upfront. For this reason, he has been searching for weeks for an agreement that would allow debt installment in amounts considered more viable, with monthly payments. In recent days, no conversations have taken place due to the recess at the end of 2025.
If there is a positive response from the North American club, which has not yet occurred, the transferban may be suspendedas long as Botafogo presents sufficient financial guarantees that prove its ability to honor the commitment.
In a statement released at the beginning of the month, Botafogo highlighted that John Textor, majority shareholder of SAF, has “fully guaranteed resources to resolve the club’s financial issues”. Last Tuesday night (12/30), Glorioso stated, in a statement, that they hope to resolve the impasse as soon as possible and guaranteed that they will be active in the market at the opening of the next transfer window.
While the punishment is in effect, striker Lucas Villaba and defender Riquelme, players signed for the 2026 season, will not be able to be registered. Although the contracts have already been signed, both will only be able to participate in training, being prevented from playing in official matches.
Despite the scenario, the club remains attentive to the market. After evaluating the squad, coach Martín Anselmi indicated to the board the positions he considers priority for reinforcements.
MORE: Botafogo reinforcements for 2026: signings, departures and negotiations in the market
Official note from Botafogo on the transferban
“Regarding the recent FIFA sanction on athlete transfers, Botafogo informs that, in recent weeks, it held constructive conversations with representatives of Atlanta United, from MLS, in search of an agreement related to the case of Thiago Almada. The conversations were paused due to the year-end break and will be resumed soon. Botafogo hopes to have the issue resolved before the start or right at the beginning of the transfer window. The Club will be very active in signing players in January 2026.”
Regarding FIFA’s recent sanction on athlete transfers, Botafogo reports that, in recent weeks, it held constructive conversations with representatives from MLS’ Atlanta United, seeking an agreement related to the case of Thiago Almada. Conversations were paused… pic.twitter.com/ZVRb4tDYcR
— Botafogo FR (@Botafogo) December 31, 2025
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