Behind the scenes: Botafogo sees CBF’s provocation by choosing Raphael Claus for the classic | botafogo

Voz do Setorista: how Botafogo reaches the third round of the Libertadores

People linked to the club’s board of directors believe that the decision was a direct provocation by the entity, a demonstration that they will not be influenced by John Textor’s accusations. The scale was announced while the American was giving testimony to the CPI for the Manipulation of Games and Sports Betting.

Botafogo 1 x 2 Flamengo – Goals – 22nd round of Brasileirão 2023

The understanding is that Claus is one of the pivots of the complaint presented by Textor to the STJD. He was a referee for the classic against Flamengo in the second round, which the rival won 2-1. Botafogo disputes the two red-black goals, one due to offside and the other due to a foul at the origin of the shot.

During the testimony, Textor pointed out Claus’s alleged mistakes as suspected manipulation, including those in the classic against Flamengo.

Internally, people linked to Botafogo believe it is a conflict of interest to have Raphael Claus refereeing the classic. The understanding is that it was a clear challenge to the accusations made by John Textor publicly and at the CPI.

The black and white leadership recently made some attempts to meet with CBF leaders, including integrity agent Eduardo Gussem. None of the contacts received a response from the entity.

After the publication of the letter, the Brazilian Football Referees Association (Abrafut) released an official note refuting the stance of the black and white management in the case. See below:

“In view of the publication of news involving the name of referee Raphael Claus and referee Daiane Muniz, both associated with this entity, ABRAFUT comes out publicly with the following considerations:

1. ABRAFUT is the entity that represents 492 (four hundred and ninety-two) referees from the CBF, being the only entity recognized by the CBF and the Superior Court of Sports Justice for Football (STJD), to represent referees;

2. The serious and repeated conclusions made by Mr. John Charles Textor, Director of SAF BOTAFOGO, which have been occurring since last year, involving the alleged existence of match-fixing in Brazilian football, have not yet been supported and corroborated by any evidence, whatever it was.

Even though the aforementioned director was summoned, by the Superior Football Sports Court, to hand over any type of document that could justify the serious conclusions and accusations made;

3. The aforementioned director continues to manipulate football lovers and the people who work in it, using the press to reiterate slogans, constantly calling into question the suitability of people who work honestly and honorably in football.

It is worth remembering that the team he manages had countless sporting opportunities to achieve its objectives, which included failures in the normal performance standards of professional athletes on his own team, situations that occur in the sporting and human sphere, after all, no one can be perfect every time. Human beings are subject to involuntary and undesirable failures and mistakes, and should not therefore be suspected of a premeditated illicit act;

4. By citing – without the slightest responsibility or proof, just based on personal opinion based on subjectivities – two of the most respected referees in Brazil, South America and the world, with vast international CVs, including men’s and women’s World Cups in several categories, dozens of finals, selected for the Paris Olympics (Daiane Muniz) and in the project for the 2026 World Cup (Raphael Claus), the aforementioned leader takes a stance completely contrary to what is expected of a person with minimal responsibility with the career of a professional and the unblemished history of a human being.

Both professionals are examples of dedication to refereeing, examples as human beings, they are professionals of the highest level, the capacity and seriousness with which they treat football serve as a reference for several generations of referees, in several countries.

5. ABRAFUT vehemently repudiates the statements made by the aforementioned director, and even repudiates the requests for suspension of both from their activities as referees, as there is nothing, it is reiterated, nothing, that discredits the conduct of the aforementioned professionals;

6. Regarding the roster of member Raphael Claus in the game Flamengo (RJ) x Botafogo (RJ), ABRAFUT shows that, according to the calendar of public hearings for appointments of referees of the CBF Arbitration Commission, informed on the CBF website, at on 04/20/2024 (Sunday) at 4:27 pm, the hearing for the designation of the aforementioned Botafogo team game was scheduled for 04/22/2024 (Monday) at 5 pm.

Thus, the appointment of the referee for the match on 04/28/2024, contested by the aforementioned director, occurred before the announcement of the conclusions involving both aforementioned associates;

7. ABRAFUT reiterates its support for the two professional examples of arbitration mentioned, reiterates its support for the President of the CBF Arbitration Commission, Mr Wilson Seneme, and its support for the president of the CBF, Mr Ednaldo Rodrigues Gomes.

8. He also expects that the Brazilian authorities will require Mr. John Charles Textor to present some proof of the serious accusations and conclusions repeatedly made, under penalty of being held accountable for this harmful and repeated conduct.”

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