'Players open-mouthed' after shock Botafogo sacking

Renato Paiva said "staff and players are open-mouthed" at his sacking

Botafogo coach Renato Paiva was sacked for not allowing owner John Textor to interfere in picking the team, reports have claimed.

Paiva, who was appointed in February, said he was "shocked" by his dismissal in the wake of fellow Brazilian side Palmeiras knocking Botafogo out of the Club World Cup at the last 16 stage.

Palmeiras won 1-0 after extra time and, according to Brazilian publication Globo, Paiva's decision to play three defensive midfielders against Textor's will played a part in his sacking.

Textor, who also co-owns Premier League club Crystal Palace and French side Lyon, is Botafogo's largest shareholder.

The defeat by Palmeiras came after progression from the group stage, where Botafogo beat Champions League winners Paris St-Germain.

"The club thanks Paiva and his assistants for their services to Botafogo over the last few months," read a club statement, "particularly for the historic victory against Paris St-Germain in the Club World Cup and the qualification for the round of 16 of the [Copa] Libertadores and Copa do Brasil."

It added that Textor and Botafogo's football board "are in the market searching for a new coach for the challenge of continuing on the path to titles".

"I don't want to talk at the moment, there will be time for that," said Paiva.

"All I can say is that I'm shocked, and the staff and players are open-mouthed about the decision."

Textor is in the process of selling his stake in Palace, whose place in the 2025-26 Europa League is under threat because of Uefa's multi-club ownership rules.

The American has also resigned from his leadership role at Lyon.