Botafogo launches legal bombshell against Lyon: colossal debt of 125 million euros at stake!
World football was shaken this Friday by the news that Botafogo, the Brazilian club led by American investor John Textor, has filed two lawsuits against Olympique Lyonnais, the French giant of Ligue 1. The issue at hand involves astronomical debts exceeding 745 million reais, equivalent to 125 million euros, which the Rio de Janeiro club demands to recover in order to ensure financial stability and the future of its ambitious sports project.
In an official statement, Botafogo made it clear how serious the situation is: “Botafogo filed lawsuits against Lyon in court last Friday due to debts exceeding 745 million reais [125 million euros]. The goal is to secure the return of the owed amounts, which are essential for strengthening the alvi-negro sports project and protecting the club’s assets.”
The scenario is explosive. These lawsuits center on loans granted by Botafogo to Lyon during the period when Textor owned both clubs—a connection that promised synergies but is now mired in financial controversy. Furthermore, Botafogo accuses the French club of obscure financial operations related to phantom transfers, raising even more suspicions about Lyon’s management.
The turmoil at Lyon is not new. John Textor, who led the French club until June 2025, has been replaced by American entrepreneur Michele Kang following a series of internal conflicts. Textor stepped down from operational duties at Eagle Bidco, the holding company that owns the majority stake in Lyon and Belgian club Molenbeek, after a failed attempt to regain control of the French club.
Botafogo recalls that Eagle Football purchased Olympique Lyonnais in a state of bankruptcy at the end of 2022, “under threat of financial sanctions,” which only exacerbates the current litigation context. While the French team fights for fourth place in Ligue 1, Botafogo, which won the Campeonato Brasileiro and the Copa Libertadores in 2024 under the management of Portuguese coach Artur Jorge, faces a financial struggle that could be decisively influenced by the outcome of this process.
Despite losing control of Lyon, John Textor remains firmly at the helm of Botafogo, where he continues to lead with the goal of consolidating the club on the international stage. The legal battle between these two football powerhouses promises to drag on, with millions at stake and repercussions that could shake the foundations of world football.
This is undoubtedly an explosive chapter that puts Botafogo and Lyon on a collision course, where money and reputation are at stake. The eyes of the sporting world are now turned to the outcome of this unprecedented financial clash.
This article first appeared on Apito Final.
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