Rio Court Suspends Eagle Bidco’s Voting Rights at Botafogo SAF and Names Durcésio Mello to Lead

Overview

• An emergency ruling from Rio’s 2nd Business Court temporarily removed Eagle Bidco’s political power in the club-company and put Durcésio Mello in charge of Botafogo’s SAF.
• The court acted on a request filed by the SAF, which said it was near bankruptcy and asked to block Eagle Bidco’s rights so a single manager could secure fast funding.
• In its filings, the SAF accused Eagle Bidco of cutting off cash, acting in conflict with creditors, and risking further financial damage to the club.
• Eagle Bidco, which holds 90% of the SAF, has a separate petition at the FGV arbitration tribunal challenging Mello’s appointment and proposing a new CEO and a smaller board.
• The SAF says it needs immediate money to cover early‑May payroll and is pursuing a bank loan and a player sale, with reports pointing to talks over defender Alexander Barboza.