“Pure corruption”: RWDM chairman John Textor faces legal action in Brazil after explosive interview | football

RWDM chairman John Textor, also owner of Botafogo in Brazil, is facing a lawsuit for defamation.

Brazilian federation president Ednaldo Rodrigues went to court over statements Textor made on November 1 after his club’s 3-4 defeat against Palmeiras.

Textor was unhappy about a red card for a Botafogo player, at a time when his club was winning 3-1. “That changed everything, but the whole world saw that it was not red,” the 58-year-old American said in front of the microphones of the Brazilian television channel Premiere.

“It was theft, bribery. Pure corruption. Ednaldo, you can fine me for this, but you should resign tomorrow morning. This championship has become a farce.”

Despite four defeats in a row, Botafogo, a club from Rio de Janeiro, is still the leader in the Brazilian championship.

Textor, who made his fortune in film special effects and digital creation using artificial intelligence, heads the conglomerate Eagle Football Holdings. In addition to RWDM and Botafogo, it also has the English Crystal Palace and the French Lyon in its portfolio.