Botafogo Faces Locker Room Rebellion Over Delayed Copa Libertadores prize Payments
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The 2025 season hasn’t even begun, but Botafogo, the reigning champions of the Brazilian league and Copa Libertadores, is already embroiled in a crisis.The club’s locker room is in turmoil as players demand the payment of promised bonuses for thier historic continental triumph. The situation escalated this week when players threatened to boycott training if their demands are not met.
The players have set a firm deadline: January 14. If the bonuses are not paid by then, they will refuse to attend the first day of training for the Campeonato Carioca, the state championship of Rio de Janeiro. However, the club has countered this ultimatum, stating that they have up to 20 business days from December 27—the date they received the prize money from the Confederação Brasileira de Futebol (CBF)—to fulfill their obligations.
In a statement, Botafogo, led by owner John Textor, clarified their position:
“CONMEBOL transferred the prize corresponding to the libertadores title to the CBF on 12/20. in turn, the CBF sent the amount to the Club on 12/27, coinciding with the recess period for the financial and administrative staff of the SAF. The Club will make the payment of the agreed prizes within a period of up to 20 business days after receiving the funds, in accordance with market practices.”
The statement also addressed claims from former players:
“A group of players who are no longer part of the squad requested a 25% increase in awards in the final days of the season, without contractual support, attempting to renegotiate an agreement established months ago.The SAF did not accept this request, standing firm on the previously agreed terms. Today,some of these same former players are spreading false information in the media to seek personal gain.”
The players,however,are not backing down. They insist that the club must settle debts not only with current squad members but also with those who have recently departed. Many of these former players,who were instrumental in securing the Copa libertadores title,are now awaiting their bonuses from their new clubs.
According to Globo Esporte, the initial payment deadline was set for December 30, but the club postponed it to January 7 and then again to January 17. These repeated delays have tested the patience of the players, who are steadfast to receive their dues before the new season kicks off.
Key Points at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Deadline | Players demand payment by January 14 or will boycott training. |
| Club’s Response | Payment will be made within 20 business days of receiving funds (by mid-January). |
| Former Players’ Claims | Some ex-players sought a 25% bonus increase, which the club rejected.|
| Initial payment Dates | Originally December 30, postponed to January 7, then January 17. |
The majority of Botafogo’s squad is still on vacation following their participation in the Copa Intercontinental, but the core players expected to compete in the early stages of the Campeonato Carioca are at the center of this dispute.
This standoff highlights the growing tension between players and management at one of Brazil’s most storied clubs. As the clock ticks down to the January 14 deadline, all eyes are on Botafogo to see if they can resolve the issue and avoid further disruption to their preparations for the 2025 season.
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What do you think about this standoff? Shoudl clubs prioritize player payments, or is the 20-day window reasonable? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
botafogo Faces Locker Room Rebellion Over Delayed Copa Libertadores Prize Payments
The 2025 season hasn’t even begun, but Botafogo, the reigning champions of the Brazilian league and copa Libertadores, is already embroiled in a crisis. The club’s locker room is in turmoil as players demand the payment of promised bonuses for their historic continental triumph. The situation escalated this week when players threatened to boycott training if their demands are not met. To shed light on this developing story, we sat down with Carlos Mendes, a sports finance expert and former advisor to several Brazilian football clubs, to discuss the implications of this standoff.
The Players’ Ultimatum: A January 14 Deadline
Senior Editor: Carlos, the players have set a firm deadline of January 14 for the payment of their bonuses. What are the potential consequences if Botafogo fails to meet this deadline?
carlos Mendes: The consequences could be severe. If the players follow through with their threat to boycott training, it could disrupt the team’s preparations for the Campeonato Carioca. This could led to poor performances early in the season, which might affect their morale and even their chances of defending their titles. Additionally, it could damage the club’s reputation, making it harder to attract top talent in the future.
The Club’s Position: A 20-Day Payment Window
Senior editor: botafogo has stated that they have up to 20 business days from December 27 to fulfill their obligations. Is this a reasonable timeframe, or should clubs prioritize player payments more urgently?
Carlos Mendes: The 20-day window is not uncommon in the industry, especially when dealing with large sums of money and administrative processes. However,given the high stakes and the players’ contributions to the club’s success,it would be prudent for Botafogo to expedite these payments. Delays can create mistrust between players and management, which is something no club can afford, especially heading into a new season.
Former Players’ Claims: A 25% Bonus Increase Request
Senior editor: Some former players have reportedly requested a 25% increase in their bonuses. How common is this kind of renegotiation, and what dose it say about the relationship between players and management?
Carlos Mendes: Renegotiations are not uncommon, especially after a significant achievement like winning the Copa Libertadores.However, they usually happen within the framework of existing contracts. The fact that these players are no longer with the club complicates matters. it suggests a breakdown in dialogue and trust. Clubs need to be obvious about bonus structures from the outset to avoid such disputes.
Repeated Payment Delays: A Test of Patience
Senior Editor: According to Globo Esporte, the initial payment deadline was set for december 30, but it has been postponed multiple times. How do these delays impact the players’ trust in the club?
Carlos Mendes: Repeated delays are a red flag. They erode trust and can lead to a toxic environment within the team. Players need to feel valued and respected, especially after achieving something as significant as winning the Copa Libertadores. If they feel that the club is not honoring its commitments, it can lead to long-term issues, both on and off the pitch.
Looking Ahead: Resolving the Standoff
Senior Editor: As the january 14 deadline approaches, what steps can Botafogo take to resolve this issue and avoid further disruption?
Carlos Mendes: The first step is clear communication. The club needs to be transparent about the payment process and provide a concrete timeline. They should also consider making partial payments if the full amount cannot be disbursed immediately. they need to engage with the players and their representatives to address any concerns and rebuild trust. The sooner this issue is resolved, the better it will be for everyone involved.
Senior Editor: Thank you, Carlos, for your insights.This is a developing story, and we’ll continue to monitor the situation as it unfolds.
For more updates on this story and other sports news, follow the Diario AS channel on WhatsApp, where you’ll find the latest updates, analysis, and exclusive content.
