Deep in a financial crisis, the Rio de Janeiro club has not paid the players their salaries.
The crisis that is engulfing Botafogo does not seem to be nearing its end. In an interview with Extra, one of the club’s biggest players has openly criticised the board.
“When I arrived here I was made to feel very welcome. But as time has passed I’ve seen some bad things. I’ve seen promises that haven’t been kept. Dates, deadlines, and nothing,” ranted former Corinthians striker Emerson Sheik.
“On the day promised everyone is hopeful. Afterwards comes the disillusionment. It’s tiring. We’re not stupid. We’re not idiots. I’m all for hearing the truth. The players want to hear the truth.
“Despite all the incompetence of the board we have a group of men here. In the face of all this confusion we manage to maintain a mutual respect. The management must take credit.”
Botafogo face Cruzeiro at the Maracanã on Saturday evening hoping that victory will move them clear of the drop-zone.
