"When Botafogo subsequently transferred Almada to Atlético Madrid last July, it had yet to pay Atlanta either of two $3 million installments, or subsequent interest on the original transfer. Atlanta took the case to FIFA, which ordered Botafogo to pay the fee in full. Botafogo and owner John Textor later appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which ultimately upheld FIFA's ruling. When payment was still not made, FIFA imposed a three-window transfer ban on Botafogo in December 2025."
"A World Cup winner with Argentina in 2022, Almada made 77 appearances and scored 23 goals for Atlanta between 2022-24 before joining Botafogo for what was at the time a record fee for an MLS player. The 24-year-old attacker now plays for Atlético Madrid, which in July became his fourth different club in less than 13 months. Almada spent just six months at Botafogo before being loaned to French club Lyon, which is also controlled by Textor."
Atlanta United reached a settlement with Botafogo requiring payment of the full transfer fee and accrued interest for Thiago Almada's 2024 move. Almada moved to Botafogo for $21 million in summer 2024, and two $3 million installments plus interest remained unpaid when Botafogo transferred him to Atlético Madrid last July. Atlanta pursued the matter through FIFA, which ordered full payment, and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which upheld that ruling after an appeal by Botafogo and owner John Textor. FIFA imposed a three-window transfer ban on Botafogo when payment was not made. The settlement confirms Botafogo will pay the full fee plus interest.
Read at ESPN.com
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