John Textor, owner of Botafogo’s SAF, has openly admitted his attempts to poach Abel Ferreira from Palmeiras. “I tried to silently steal him for jobs elsewhere, not here,”
Textor confessed, noting that Ferreira consistently ignored his offers. While managing clubs like Crystal Palace, Lyon, and RWD Molenbeek, Textor did not reveal which one he wanted Ferreira to join.
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Match-fixing claims by Textor
The conflict extends beyond recruitment efforts. Textor is embroiled in a feud with Palmeiras president Leila Pereira, who recently labeled him an “idiot” over alleged match manipulation claims.
Textor responded sharply on Botafogo TV, asserting, “Every time she says I make these accusations without proof, it’s an intentional lie. She knows exactly what I did at STJD.” He also challenged Pereira’s demeanor: “If you’re not guilty, stop acting guilty.” The exchange highlights the growing tensions between the two clubs.
Remembering Zagallo
Sambafoot Series launched a new documentary about the football legend Zagallo. Known as ‘Velho Lobo‘ and as superstitious as it gets, Zagallo helped shape what Brazilian football is nowadays — as a player and as a coach.
The first three episodes are available on Sambafoot’s Youtube channel. Stay tuned for the upcoming releases as we keep telling this legend’s life story.
