The Nottingham Forest owner has been linked with a move for Botafogo since earlier this year, while Textor is continuing to pursue a return to control of the club amid a complicated ownership battle.
The American businessman’s holding company acquired a 90% stake in Botafogo in February 2022. However, his position became increasingly uncertain after Eagle Football Holdings Limited, the UK-based company involved in the ownership structure, entered administration following action by its main US creditor.
Botafogo’s social club subsequently moved to increase its control, diluting Eagle Football’s interest. The dispute has since produced conflicting legal outcomes, leaving the club’s longer-term ownership unresolved.
A Florida court ruled in September in Textor’s favour, declaring that he remained the owner of 90% of Botafogo’s voting capital. That judgment did not settle the wider dispute in Brazil, where the ownership situation has continued to develop.
The latest report comes from Brazilian outlet FogãoNET, which relayed comments from commentator Ricardo Azambuja after he contacted Textor directly about rumours that the American had become involved with Portuguese club Rio Ave.
Azambuja said Textor denied having control of Rio Ave, which is owned by Marinakis. He also reported that the two businessmen remain interested in finding a way to take over Botafogo together.
“Textor denied being in charge of the Portuguese club, but stated that he and Marinakis are patiently awaiting a solution to Botafogo’s situation and are ready to take over the club and fully finance it,” Azambuja wrote.
Textor has not abandoned his ambition to return to Botafogo, despite the obstacles surrounding the club’s ownership. The report also suggests he believes the social club’s current position is unsustainable.
“He also made it clear that, if the courts continue to create obstacles (his view, okay?), investments will be directed to other clubs, without ruling out a possible return to Botafogo in the future. In Textor’s view, the social club will eventually collapse sooner or later,” Azambuja added.
Marinakis already has interests in several countries through his ownership of Nottingham Forest, Olympiacos and Rio Ave. A partnership with Textor would give him a potential route into another major South American club, although there is no confirmed agreement that a takeover will proceed.
The next step depends on the ongoing legal and financial situation in Brazil. For now, the two businessmen’s reported willingness to invest offers a possible route forward, rather than a completed deal.