John Textor emphasizes that he has evidence of manipulation in Brazilian football

John Textor, in the aftermath of Botafogo's 1-3 loss to Junior Barranquilla in the Copa Libertadores group stage, addressed the media with a significant assertion regarding the integrity of Brazilian football.

He clarified his position, stating he has not directly accused clubs like Palmeiras or São Paulo but has presented evidence concerning player manipulation and match-fixing within the league. His focus is not on pointing fingers at specific individuals or entities but on exposing a systemic issue that has, according to him, affected the fairness of the competition.

Textor's remarks come at a time of heightened sensitivity in Brazilian football, where allegations of corruption and manipulation cast long shadows over the sport's reputation. He indicated that the problem is not isolated to a single season or team but is an ongoing issue that has marred the championship's integrity for at least two years, affecting various teams and communities unrelated to Botafogo.

In a direct appeal, Textor addressed Leila Pereira, Palmeiras' president, and Julio Casares of São Paulo, urging them to consider the evidence he has brought forward without jumping to conclusions about the nature of his claims. He emphasized his intention is not to attack or undermine any club or individual but to highlight concerns about the sport's governance and the lack of action from the STJD (Superior Sports Justice Tribunal).

Textor's comments highlight a deep concern for the rules and fairness of the game, suggesting a disconnect between the evidence he has provided and the response or lack thereof from football's governing bodies in Brazil. His plea for a measured approach to addressing these issues reflects the complexity of tackling corruption in sports, where the rights of the accused and the need for transparency must be balanced carefully.

As this story unfolds, Textor's stance places him at the center of a potentially transformative dialogue about the future of Brazilian football, the enforcement of its rules, and the mechanisms in place to ensure a level playing field. His call to action underscores a broader challenge facing the sport: rooting out manipulation and corruption to preserve the integrity and spirit of competition.

Mbappé goes after reporter after four goal haul in the Champions League

Real Madrid’s forward scored four goals in a win over Olympiacos and, at the end of the game, was asked whether his team depends too much on him. Mbappé did not like the question.

Which players will Kompany be without in Berlin?

After the exhausting match in Paris, Bayern continue against Union Berlin. And Vincent Kompany once again has to find solutions.

French club emerges as the favorite for the loan

Real Madrid are preparing to loan out Endrick in January, with Lyon emerging as the frontrunner. The striker seeks regular minutes to regain form ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Kimmich on a BVB quality that has been added

In the top match between Bayern and Borussia Dortmund, Joshua Kimmich would like to make a statement, but he also highlights a new quality in the opponent.

Athletic find in Adama Boiro a full-back with hunger and patience

Adama Boiro, the young Senegalese full-back who grew up in Pamplona, is steadily making his mark at Athletic Club.

FIFA cannot solve geopolitical problems

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the organization “cannot solve geopolitical problems” amid growing calls for Israel to be suspended from international football due to the Gaza conflict. While the UN and several federations demand action, Infantino insists FIFA’s mission is to unite people through football, leaving responsibility to UEFA.

'Mister Bundesliga' Gouweleeuw misses a match again after two years

Jeffrey Gouweleeuw will have to watch from the sidelines at FC Augsburg for the time being. A knee injury forces the Dutch captain of the German club to take a break for now.

The question for Werner: Who will replace Schlager and Nusa?

On Saturday, RB Leipzig will host 1. FC Köln and aim for a third consecutive victory. However, the Saxons will have to replace two key players. Timo Werner is likely to be in the squad.

Haaland can’t sleep because of former club

Erling Haaland is deeply unhappy with the current situation at Bryne FK, the first club of the Norwegian striker. On social media, Haaland criticized the present state of his former team, where he spent his entire youth development.

Tottenham Hotspur disgusted by online racism after Tel miss: ‘Anonymous cowards’

Tottenham Hotspur have spoken out, a day after the UEFA Super Cup, against the racist abuse directed at Mathys Tel on social media. The forward, like Micky van de Ven, missed a penalty in the shootout.

Darwin moves to Saudi Arabia for half of what he cost

Darwin Núñez is set to join Al Hilal for €53 million, just three years after Liverpool paid up to €100 million for the striker. The transfer marks a financial loss for the Premier League champions, while Benfica receives €530,000 through FIFA’s solidarity mechanism.

Bozeník finds shelter in the Championship after Boavista's downfall

Róbert Bozeník continues his career in the Championship. The former Feyenoord striker has signed a three-year deal with Stoke City, which is taking the 25-year-old Slovak over from Boavista.

Vázquez says goodbye to Real Madrid: 'A lifelong dream fulfilled'

The Lucas Vázquez era at Real Madrid has come to an end. On Thursday, the player bid an emotional farewell to the club he served for sixteen years, winning 23 trophies along the way.

Arsenal announce Danish midfielder as new signing

Arsenal have signed Danish international Christian Nørgaard from Brentford. The experienced midfielder joins after six Premier League seasons, bringing leadership and tactical intelligence to Arteta’s squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

AS Monaco unveil Fati and Pogba: no revenge, but big dreams ahead

AS Monaco unveiled two remarkable signings on Thursday: Ansu Fati and Paul Pogba. Two players with scars, who now hope to shine once again in the principality as they once did.

Top Countries

Around the web

Neymar may not play again in 2025 due to a knee injury

According to Brazilian outlet O Globo, Neymar is not expected to play again this year for Santos. The 33-year-old forward suffered a knee injury at his club Santos, and a place at the 2026 World Cup seems to be slipping further and further away for him.

FIFA creates mini-pitches for children in the West Bank

FIFA, with funding from the Swiss government, is building two mini football pitches in the West Bank as part of a wider plan to install ten across Palestine and Israel, offering safe spaces for children to play and develop. The project is part of the FIFA Arena initiative, which aims to create at least one thousand mini pitches worldwide by 2030, using football to promote hope, inclusion and community rebuilding in conflict affected regions.

Protest motivated Madueke to turn the Arsenal story into a success

The fans’ protest against signing Noni Madueke last summer has only given the Arsenal forward extra fuel. That is what manager Mikel Arteta claims in the build-up to the reunion with Chelsea, Madueke’s former club.

The other side of Bayerns first defeat

In London, Bayern leave the pitch as second best for the first time – which could also have its advantages.

Hungry Schalke 04 win the top clash and seize control

Schalke 04 has seized control in the 2. Bundesliga. The traditional club did so in a direct top-of-the-table clash against Paderborn, who had been league leaders until Friday evening. Afterwards, there was great joy at the club that is longing for a return to the highest level.

Bundesliga players always make me feel uneasy

Thierry Henry highlights the differences between the German league and the Premier League.

Liverpool receive good news from Real Madrid in the midst of a crisis

Liverpool receive a boost in the middle of their crisis as Real Madrid rule out a move for Ibrahima Konaté, clearing the way for the Reds to focus on renewing the French defender’s contract in the final year of his deal.

Lucho has this chaotic creativity

A lot proved difficult for FC Bayern on this last Saturday in November against St. Pauli. In the end, however, the commanding league leaders were able to rely on Luis Díaz in the decisive moments.

Slot may have only one more week to save his job

Liverpool crashed to a damaging 4-1 home defeat against PSV at Anfield, deepening the crisis around manager Arne Slot. Defensive errors, a lifeless attack and a toxic atmosphere in the stands have pushed Slot to the brink, with his future and Liverpool’s Champions League hopes now hanging by a thread.

Who will replace Ouedraogo?

This Friday, RB Leipzig will open matchday 12 of the Bundesliga away to Borussia Mönchengladbach. One personnel issue in particular will be in the spotlight.