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.

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.

Modric to leave Real Madrid after Club World Cup: 'I leave with a full heart'

Luka Modric confirms his departure from Real Madrid after 13 legendary seasons. The 39-year-old midfield icon will bid farewell at the Bernabéu before finishing his career with the Club World Cup. A tribute to one of the game's all-time greats.

Top Countries

Around the web

From Unai’s 'leave it in the stands' to Álvaro’s 'beach ball' with Vinicius

Vinicius Jr. steals headlines at Vallecas, trading barbs with Rayo fans and players while urging Madrid to play short, sparking tense duels with Unai, Ratiu and Álvaro.

Gladbach’s Hack makes his comeback against Lierse

Borussia’s attack has recently gained significantly in firepower. Another option for the offensive is already waiting in the wings.

Amiri is out: Nagelsmann calls up Ouedraogo

At 3:41 p.m., the national team entered Wolfsburg’s AOK Stadium, which was well attended with nearly 4,000 fans and welcomed with warm applause – but without Nico Schlotterbeck and Nadiem Amiri. While the Dortmund defender is only sitting out for now, the Mainz midfielder has not traveled. Assan Ouedraogo has been called up to replace him.

Koeman calls up Emegha for the Dutch national team after all

Emmanuel Emegha has been called up to the Dutch national team for the first time. The selection of the 22-year-old Strasbourg striker is linked to the physical condition of Wout Weghorst, who may not be available for the World Cup qualifier against Poland.

Mbappé on Upamecano: There are better clubs than Bayern

Kylian Mbappé is not surprised that Dayot Upamecano is being courted by top clubs. On Wednesday he voiced his high regard for the Bayern defender and joked.

De Ligt highlights an overlooked aspect in football

The mental aspect is hugely underestimated in football, says Matthijs de Ligt. To ensure he feels good in his own skin, the Manchester United and Netherlands defender talks a lot with people around him.

Huijsen asks for advice

After a blistering start at the Bernabéu, Dean Huijsen has hit his first rough patch amid a broader team dip. How simplification, stable partnerships, tactical tweaks, veteran guidance and repetition can help the 20 year old centre back reset and reclaim his early season form.

Spain withdraws Lamine Yamal and targets Barcelona in official statement

The Royal Spanish Football Federation expressed its “surprise and discomfort” after being informed that the young winger had undergone an invasive treatment for pubalgia administered by Barcelona, which requires a rest period of seven to ten days, forcing the federation to withdraw him from the squad.

President promises a multimillion bonus to the national team

The president of the Democratic Republic of Congo has promised a one million dollar bonus to the players of his national team, and they do not even need to qualify for the World Cup, only reach the final step toward that goal.

Neymar lashes out at the referee of Flamengo vs Santos

Neymar blasts the officiating after Santos’ 3-2 loss to Flamengo, calling the referee arrogant, citing a missed foul on Brazão before a decisive corner, and urging reforms in Brazilian refereeing.