Owner of SAF do Botafogo, John Textor is fined R$60,000 by the STJD for accusations of manipulation | Botafogo

Rio – Owner of SAF do Botafogo, John Textor was tried by the STJD, this Monday (6), on accusations of manipulation of results. He was given a period of five days to present the evidence he claims to have. Furthermore, he was fined R$60,000, which will be allocated to Rio Grande do Sul.

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John Textor, who did not participate in the hearing, was punished under article 220 of the CBJD (failure to collaborate with Sports Justice bodies). If he does not comply with the STJD’s determinations and does not present the documents within five days, the businessman may be judged under article 223 (failing to comply with the decision of the Sports Court). The deadline for presenting the evidence depends on the delivery of the judgment, so there is no set date yet.

Read more: Botafogo’s John Textor trusts ‘Good Game’ reports: ‘Incredible methodology’

The accusation came about due to the businessman’s statements after the match against Red Bull Bragantino, in the preliminary round of the Libertadores, in February. At the time, he said: “For someone to say that there is no corruption in Brazil, when I have judges recorded complaining about not having their bribes paid… Maybe the CBF shouldn’t prosecute me. I didn’t accuse Ednaldo (President of the CBF). I never said anything about him.”

Read more: John Textor would have presented names of players allegedly involved in manipulation in Serie A

He continued: “He is not corrupt. He is a man who runs an organization that probably needs to manage external corruption better. Because it is a battle against external factors. It is a battle that exists and is here. There were manipulations and errors in 2021 , 2022, 2023, and we have proof.”

Textor’s defense was led by lawyer Michel Assef Filho, who tried to suspend the trial. He argued that the American is not obliged to present documents, mainly because there is a police investigation into the case, and that he has even shown himself willing to help with the case. The request, however, was rejected.

Second punishment suffered by the owner of Botafogo

John Textor had already been punished at the end of last month, when he was suspended for 45 days and fined R$100,000 for statements following the black and white defeat to Palmeiras, in November 2023, when the manager harshly criticized the arbitration, the CBF and the president of the entity. The North American still has six days to serve in this case – which will be added to this Monday’s punishment.

John Textor’s participation in the CPI

Textor participated in a CPI, led by Senator Jorge Kajuru, about manipulation of results. He presented documents to the representatives and said that manipulation “is reality” in Brazilian football.