July 1 – Botafogo head coach Renato Paiva has been sacked just five months into the job, reportedly for refusing to allow club owner John Textor to interfere in team selection.
According to Globo, the final straw came after Botafogo’s 1-0 extra-time loss to Palmeiras in the last 16 of the Club World Cup. Paiva’s tactical decision to start three defensive midfielders – against Textor’s wishes – was cited as a key factor in his dismissal.
Paiva, appointed in February, said he was “shocked” by the decision and that players and staff were “open-mouthed” at the news. “I don’t want to talk at the moment, there will be time for that,” he told reporters after the sacking.
Despite the exit at the hands of Palmeiras, Botafogo had made headlines with a landmark 2-1 victory over Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain in the group stage. That result, along with progression to the last 16 of both the Copa Libertadores and Copa do Brasil, made Paiva’s sudden departure all the more surprising.
Textor has not been far away from headlines in recent days. He has resigned both the presidency of Olympique Lyonnais and chairmanship of Eagle Football Holdings, with Michelle Kang taking up both roles, after the French club were administratively relegated to Ligue 2 for financial issues. It is also through Eagle Football that he owns the Brazilian club and a major stake in Crystal Palace, which he is attempting to sell to New York Jets owner Woody Johnson.
But even in Brazil – where the 2024 Copa Libertadores and Brasileirão titles made him much more popular than in France – the American businessman has become increasingly controversial for his outspoken views and alleged behind-the-scenes influence. His relationship with coaching staff has come under scrutiny before, but this marks the most direct reported clash yet.
In a brief statement, Botafogo thanked Paiva and his staff “for their services over the last few months,” singling out “the historic victory against Paris Saint-Germain” and domestic cup progression. The club confirmed that Textor and the club’s football board are now “in the market searching for a new coach for the challenge of continuing on the path to titles.”
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1751387164labto1751387164ofdlr1751387164owedi1751387164sni@g1751387164niwe.1751387164yrrah1751387164