The end Venezuelan Jefferson Savarinoformer Royal Salt Lake player and a key piece of South American football, has been involved in an international conflict between two clubs owned by businessman John Textor: the Olympique Lyonnais of France and the Botafogo de Brazil. The case has exploded in the media this week, with a millionaire demand that exceeds € 65 million.
The Botafogo demands the reimbursement of that sum to the Lyon, claiming that several internal operations within the Eagle Football Business Group were carried out to economically favor the French club, which currently suffers RESTRICTIONS of the DNCG, the Financial Regulatory Entity of Gallic football.
Venezuelan Savarino: sold or even in Brazil?
One of the spotlights of controversy is the sale of Jefferson Savarino. According to documents revealed by Botafogo himself, the Venezuelan was sold to Lyon for 7.6 million euros in March 2025, but the transfer was not publicly and, surprisingly, the player continues to militate in the Brazilian club with a current contract until 2028.
This has generated doubts not only about the contractual status of Savarino, but also about the legality and transparency of the operation, in a context where Lyon has been under pressure to balance his accounts.
“Savarino was sold, but he never left,” denouncing Brazilian media.
Botafogo accuses internal favoritism and asks for compensation
The Botafogo directive ensures that not only Savarino, but also other players such as Luiz Henrique, Igor Jesus, Jair and even the Argentine Thiago Almada, were transferred, assigned or resold in unfavorable conditions for the Carioca Club, in order to rescue the Lyon financially.
Among the claims:
Assignment without cost of Thiago Almada al Lyon.
Transfer with undervalued prices to help the French club.
Interest not paid and resources advanced by Botafogo to cover Lyon expenses.
The official letter was sent on July 18 by Botafogo’s lawyers to the French club dome.
Who is John Textor?
Textor is the American businessman who controls Eagle Football, the conglomerate owner of several clubs: Lyon, Botafogo, Molenbeek (Belgium) and the Crystal Palace (England). Their business model is increasingly questioned for creating conflicts of interest between clubs that, although they share an owner, compete in different markets and tournaments.
