John Textor Ousted from Lyon and Faces Uncertainty at Botafogo

Published: February 25, 2026

Ares Management Takes Control

Ares Management Corp. Has taken decisive action to remove John Textor from his operational role within his football club group. This move comes amid ongoing financial losses and growing tensions surrounding one of Ares’ significant sports investments.

Failed Attempt to Regain Control

Textor’s attempt to regain control by revoking independent directors proved unsuccessful. Following this failed maneuver, Ares Management immediately informed him of his removal. As reported by Obtain French Football News, Textor is no longer in charge at Lyon.

Textor attempted to remove two independant directors out of the board, but he failed to do so. In the aftermath, Lyon’s creditor – Ares Management – informed him of his immediate removal.

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Botafogo Future in Doubt

The situation at Botafogo is similarly precarious. Textor currently maintains his position as the main figure at Botafogo SAF only due to a court injunction obtained in October of last year. However, this protection is increasingly threatened. The crisis with Ares Management directly impacts promised financial contributions, the stability of control at SAF, and the club’s financial planning.

From Rise to Fall

Textor’s trajectory has been described as a “meteoric rise, and fall.” He presented himself as a visionary in multi-ownership of clubs, acquiring stakes in Lyon, Botafogo, and Molenbeek, among others. However, this ambition quickly unraveled due to debts, disputes with creditors, and management problems.

What we saw in recent years was a classic script: multimillion-dollar ambition, an “innovative” model of multi-ownership of clubs and purchases of big brands (Lyon, Botafogo, Molenbeek, among others). Temporary glories and a lot of noise in the media… Accelerated collapse in recent months, driven by debts, fights with creditors and serious management problems.

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Legal Battles Loom

Despite his removal, Textor has indicated his intention to fight the decision in court. However, the current outlook appears extremely unfavorable.

FAQ

• Who removed John Textor from Lyon? Ares Management.
• Is John Textor still in charge at Botafogo? He is currently protected by a court injunction, but his position is uncertain.
• What was Textor’s attempt to regain control? He tried to revoke independent directors.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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