Why FIFA Has Imposed Ban On Botafogo? Controversy Revealed

The apex football body FIFA has imposed a ban on Italian club Botafogo that will be effective from 31st December 2025 due to non-payment of $21 million to Atlanta United FC for his services in 2024. The Ban was listed on FIFA's registration list and will be applicable for the three window transfer ban.

Thiago Almada, who was part of the 2022 Argentine FIFA World Cup winning squad, played 17 games for the Italian Club Botafogo in the latter part of the year 2024 before moving to French club Lyon to complete the 2024/25 season and is currently playing for Diego Simeone's side in La Liga. His move from Atlanta United to Botafogo has now created a problem for the last season Copa Libertadores winners as they face FIFA ban due to non payment of his transfer fee.

Botafogo Ban Explained

The 2022 World Cup winner Almada played 77 games and scored more than 20 goals between 2022-24, which attracted the Italian side and the deal was confirmed between both the clubs for $21 million. At that time, the price tag made him one of the most expensive buys of a MLS player.

MLS club Atlanta United reported that they never received the payment for the deal, which amounted between $20 million - $30 million. The owner of the Italian club in October, Botafogo, owned by American businessman John Textor, took the case to sport’s highest court to challenge the transfer fee owed to Atlanta United. The Brazilian club is disputing FIFA’s ruling that ordered it to pay the full amount for Thiago Almada after failing to pay the first two installments in 2024.

After the October hearing, the Court of Arbitration for Sport upheld FIFA’s decision, noting that Botafogo had asked for more time “to sort it out” when responding to MLS’s first request over an overdue scheduled payment owed to Atlanta. The Botafogo ban occurred due to the club's failure to settle the amount despite the reminder.

FIFA verdict stated that Botafogo was scheduled to pay Atlanta United $3 million in July and another $3 million in September 2024 as part of an agreement to settle the full transfer fee by September 2026. However, both payments were missed, leading MLS to issue default notices to John Textor’s club, which led to Botafogo FIFA ban.