Brazilian club Botafogo has launched legal action against Olympique Lyonnais, claiming more than €125 million in unpaid loans tied to their former partnership within Eagle Football Group.
Dispute Over €125M in Loans
According to an official statement, Botafogo is seeking repayment of 745 million Brazilian reais (€125.3 million), which were provided as a series of financial injections to support Lyon after its acquisition in late 2022.
The funding was structured under a collaborative multi-club ownership model led by John Textor, aimed at stabilizing the French club’s finances during a period of financial distress.
Partnership Collapse Triggers Legal Action
The dispute stems from a unilateral decision by Lyon’s new leadership to terminate the cooperation agreement and refuse repayment of the outstanding debt.
This breakdown has had direct financial consequences for Botafogo. In late 2025, the Brazilian club was sanctioned by FIFA with a transfer ban, after its financial capacity was impacted by the missing funds.
Lyon is also reported to have an additional €12 million outstanding obligation toward Belgian side RWDM Brussels.
Wider Crisis at Eagle Football Group
The legal move comes amid broader instability within Eagle Football Holdings, Textor’s multi-club investment vehicle.
The holding company has been placed under restructuring supervision by Cork Gully following repeated financial defaults. While the clubs continue normal operations, administrators are actively exploring potential buyers for the group’s assets.
This raises the possibility of a full exit from both European and South American football investments.
The Civil War of Eagle Football
Botafogo takes Olympique Lyonnais to court over unpaid transfer debts, marking a crisis in John Textor’s ownership model.