Atlanta United won another round in its court battle with Botafogo over its failure to pay $21 million for Thiago Almada.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport on Tuesday ruled that the Brazilian club must pay the transfer fee to the MLS club or risk a transfer ban.
Atlanta United sold Almada to Botafogo in the 2024 summer transfer window for an MLS-record fee. After helping Botafogo win Serie A and Copa Libertadores, it sent Almada on loan to Lyon in France before selling him to Atletico Madrid in Spain for a reported $29 million.
Atlanta United sued Botafogo in November 2024 for non-payment. FIFA sanctioned Botafogo in February for its failure to pay, ordering it to pay Atlanta United $10 million. Botafogo didn’t pay, and in June, FIFA ordered it to pay $21 million. Botafogo appealed the verdict.
That appeal was denied Tuesday after another hearing in October.
Botafogo implied it will appeal the ruling. Atlanta United has yet to comment.
About the Author
Keep Reading
The Latest
Featured
