John Textor, owner of Botafogo, makes accusations without evidence against Palmeiras and São Paulo – 04/02/2024 – Sports

American businessman John Textor, owner of Botafogo, stated, without evidence, that at least five São Paulo players manipulated the 5-0 defeat suffered in the game against Palmeiras in the 2023 Brazilian Championship.

“The game between Palmeiras and São Paulo in October 2023 was, according to artificial intelligence experts, manipulated by at least five São Paulo players,” said the businessman in a statement. “Seven players showed abnormal deviations in crucial goal situations, but only five exceeded limits that make the manipulation clear and convincing.”

Textor had already stated, also without evidence, that Palmeiras has benefited in the last two years.

In addition to the match against São Paulo, he cited Palmeiras’ 4-0 victory against Fortaleza, in the 2022 Brasileirão. For the businessman, the São Paulo club played with the title guaranteed.

The report he had in hand would show that four players from the Ceará team demonstrated game manipulation.

The teams reacted to the attacks without evidence from the businessman.

Palmeiras reported that it is adopting legal measures against the businessman and does not intend to speak out again about Textor’s demonstrations, called by the club as a caricatured top hat. For the club, he is trying to justify the loss of the 2023 Brazilian title.

In a statement, São Paulo repudiated the accusations against players. “Such a statement without any trace of proof attacks the suitability of players in the professional men’s squad and the honesty of the institution São Paulo FC in its 94 years of history”, says the club.

São Paulo has activated its legal department, which will study legal measures against the owner of Botafogo.

Fortaleza repudiated the statements and said that they harm its image. The club also promised to take legal action.