Thames: Boss Bottafogo is involved in a transfer fee dispute, which may lead to Crystal Palace not being able to play in the European war

According to the Times, Botafogoin owned by John Textor was complained to FIFA by Burnley. Textor is co-owner of Crystal Palace, whose multi-club ownership model may disqualify Crystal Palace from qualifying for the UEFA Cup next season.

The 59-year-old American businessman must convince UEFA by June 24 that his business model should not prevent Crystal Palace from participating in the UEFA Cup. Textor's company owns 43% of the shares of Crystal Palace and also owns the French Club Lyons.

However, the Times revealed that Botafogo, owned by Textor's Hawks Holdings, has been involved in two transfer disputes recently. The club that sold the players complained to FIFA that they had not received the transfer fee, which could have violated strict rules and resulted in the club being sanctioned by a transfer ban.

In one case, Botafogo was fined $150,000 (about £110,000) by FIFA for failing to pay for the first two phases of the introduction of Almada from MLS club Atlanta United.

Last August, Botafogo announced the signing of Brazilian defender Vitinho, who has played for Burnley since 2022. The deal was reportedly worth about £6.5 million, plus a performance bonus of £2 million. However, sources said Burnley had sent a letter to FIFA in an attempt to recover the money they claimed Bottafogo still owed them.

According to Brazilian media reports, Burnley also contacted the Brazilian Football Association, but later complained to FIFA. It is understood that FIFA made a preliminary ruling in January, requiring Botafogo to pay within a certain period of time. A few weeks ago, FIFA made another second ruling, but the problem remains unresolved.

In February this year, the FIFA Player Identity Committee made a decision on a contract dispute between Atlanta United and Botafogo about Almada transfer. Almada's transfer fee totals US$21 million, of which the first US$3 million should be paid within five working days after Botafogo received the player's international transfer certificate, and the remaining amount will be paid in installments over the next two years.

Botafogo received the player's transfer certificate on July 11, and MLS officials sent the first invoice on July 22 on behalf of Atlanta United. According to documents seen by the Times, MLS officials then sent multiple emails to urge the first payment. Botafogo once responded that it needed more time to "resolve the matter" and promised to pay within 15 days.

On September 3, MLS, on behalf of Atlanta United, issued a notice of default to the Brazilian club, claiming that two payment deadlines had been missed. In November, Atlanta United filed a lawsuit with FIFA, and by February, Bottafogo was ordered to pay the full transfer fee in two installments and pay a fine of $150,000.

Nevertheless, the case continues. On Tuesday, Bottafogo issued a statement to The Times that they believe that MLS, as a single entity, owes Bottafogo many receivables from the MLS franchise, and MLS should offset these amounts from any amounts associated with Atlanta United: "Bottafogo is negotiating with Burnley for player transfers, and there is a friendly solution."

Meanwhile, clubs like Burnley noted that other players appear to be transferring between clubs owned by Textor, and many have ties to Nottingham Forest, despite the obvious conflict in the eligibility of Crystal Palace to compete in European events.

As The Times reported, Nottingham Forest, which will advance to the UEFA Cup, has sent a letter to UEFA to express concerns about the matter.

Last week, Nottingham Forest planned to sign Botafogo's Igor Jesus, Cuabano and Jair Cunya for a total of £30 million. Meanwhile, Lyon also reached a £20 million deal with Danilo of Nottingham Forest.

Previously, Nyahart and Orel Mangala left Nottingham Forest to join Lyon last summer. Nottingham Forest's US goalkeeper Matt Turner became Lyon's £8 million target this week.

During this period, Burnley still did not receive the amount it deserved. FIFA, Burnley and Atlanta United all declined to comment, and Textor declined to comment.