The American owner of Botafogo, John Textor, continues to openly criticize the corruption which he believes reigns in Brazilian football. Accusations which greatly annoy the leaders of other clubs, starting with the president of Palmeiras, Leila Pereira.
In recent weeks, John Textor has claimed to have irrefutable evidence of referee manipulation in key title matches, directly involving Palmeiras. Serious allegations made without providing the slightest tangible element. An attitude deemed intolerable by Leila Pereira, whose club took legal action after being targeted by name.
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“Serious and intolerable” accusations
For the president of Palmeiras, a leader of Textor’s caliber cannot afford to spread unfounded rumors about corruption without providing the slightest proof. She also deplores the American’s recurring attacks against the credibility and transparency of Brazilian football. According to her, such accusations can damage the country’s image and harm local competitions.
Leila Pereira therefore asks the governing bodies to crack down with the greatest firmness against Textor. She wants to see the person responsible punished commensurate with the seriousness of his defamatory comments. The manager also wishes to recall that Palmeiras won its trophies in full compliance with the rules.
