FIFA Imposes Three-Window Transfer Ban on Botafogo Over Unpaid Almada Fee

Overview

• FIFA’s register now lists Botafogo under a transfer ban that blocks the club from registering new players for the next three windows.
• The sanction enforces a Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling that Botafogo must pay $21 million to Atlanta United tied to Almada’s move.
• The purchase agreement specified ten quarterly installments—two of $3 million, seven of $2 million, and one of $1 million—with only two payments reported as made.
• Botafogo argues the repayment schedule was extended and points to a separate U.S. case over a 10% transfer share, while Atlanta pursues the full amount through FIFA.
• Reporting also links Almada to a potential presentation at Lyon, a separate development from the ongoing payment dispute.