Sport nationProspective Everton owner John Textor has a reputation for being a straight shooter, and his latest outburst has only added to that image. The American businessman, who is currently in the process of buying the Toffees, was banned by Brazil’s top sports court for ignoring orders to provide evidence to back up his claims of match-fixing.
The incident in question occurred in November 2023, when Textor’s Brazilian club Botafogo surrendered a 3-0 lead at home to Palmeiras, ultimately losing 4-3 in a dramatic match. The turning point came when Botafogo’s center-back Adryelson was sent off in the 76th minute, with the team still leading 3-1. Despite having only 10 men on the field, Botafogo collapsed, conceding goals in the 84th and 89th minutes, as well as a dramatic winner in the ninth minute of stoppage time.
In a post-match interview with Sportv Ao Vivo, a visibly incensed Textor launched a scathing attack on the referee and the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). “The whole world saw it, that is not a red card, he got the ball first, if it’s even a foul I’m not sure. It’s not a red card, he changed the game, this is corruption, this is a theft,” Textor ranted.
Textor’s outburst was not limited to the referee, as he also took aim at CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues, who was removed from his post by a Rio de Janeiro court a month later on an unrelated matter. “Please fine me, Ednaldo, you need to resign tomorrow morning, that’s what needs to happen, this championship has become a joke. Nobody deserves this, these players from Palmeiras, they don’t want to win this way, we don’t want to lose this way, it’s like five games in a row,” Textor continued.
The Brazilian Football Confederation took umbrage with Textor’s comments, and he was subsequently banned for 45 days and fined 100,000 reais (approximately £15,000) for violating two articles of the Brazilian Sports Justice Code. Textor had already served part of his ban in 2023 and had 17 days of absence remaining, but he did not appeal the verdict.
Textor’s antics have raised eyebrows among Everton fans, who are eagerly awaiting his takeover of the club. While some have praised his passion and commitment to his teams, others have expressed concern over his volatile temperament and willingness to speak his mind, even if it means ruffling feathers.
Only time will tell if Textor’s unbridled enthusiasm and willingness to challenge authority will be a blessing or a curse for Everton, but one thing is certain – he will not be afraid to speak his mind and stand up for what he believes in.
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Amina Umar