The situation around John Textor and Eagle Football is tense, with tensions that have been emerging for several weeks, particularly regarding the American’s position within Olympique Lyonnais (OL). The hasty departure of Textor from the presidency had important consequences, having expressed the desire to concentrate on Botafogo, a Brazilian club he wants to revive and whose control he wants to take without accountability to Ares. This ambition was hampered by a Brazilian judicial intervention aimed at limiting Eagle’s influence on the club. However, Eagle Football Holdings does not remain inert and is engaged in a complex legal battle, involving the Brazilian, American and English justices, to prevent Textor from taking unilateral decisions, notably under the influence of Chris Malon and Ares. Eagle accuses Textor of a conflict of interest and attempted unlawful actions, including linking Botafogo’s income to a company in the Cayman Islands, and seeks to protect its participation in the club.
At the same time, OL intensified its summer mercato despite regulatory constraints imposed by the DNCG and the retention in Ligue 1. The club is reshaping its staff, marked by the departure of several key players and the arrival of young talent. The leaders focus on strengthening the base before the championship takes over. Recent movements include the extension of Nicolas Tagliafico’s contract and the arrival of Pavel Sulcaj. The arrival of Tyler Morton, a young English midfielder, seems imminent, with a five-year contract signing expected, including bonuses of up to 17 million euros.
This complex situation, combining legal issues, sports ambitions and financial considerations, raises questions about the future of Botafogo and Eagle Football’s strategy. Botafogo’s statements, advocating collaboration within the Eagle Group, contrast with the firmness of the holding company in its desire to protect its interests and ensure a constructive dialogue on any future sale of majority ownership. The evolution of these events remains uncertain, suggesting a major challenge for the future of several football clubs and players.