Atlanta United has resolved its dispute with Botafogo over unpaid transfer fees for Thiago Almada. The MLS club announced that Botafogo will pay the full transfer fee of $21 million, plus interest, following a settlement. This dispute arose when Botafogo transferred Almada to Atlético Madrid in July 2024 without fully compensating Atlanta for the initial transfer.

The disagreement led to legal action, with Atlanta taking the case to FIFA, which ordered payment. When Botafogo failed to comply, FIFA imposed a three-window transfer ban on the Brazilian club. Botafogo, owned by John Textor, appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which upheld FIFA's decision.

Thiago Almada is a pivotal figure in this story, having been a key player for Atlanta United, where he made 77 appearances and scored 23 goals. His transfer to Botafogo for a record MLS fee marked a significant move, but his brief stint there ended when he was loaned to French club Lyon, also controlled by Textor, before moving to Atlético Madrid.

This settlement reinforces the importance of adhering to transfer agreements in international soccer. For Atlanta United, securing the owed fees is a win, while Botafogo can now focus on rebuilding without the transfer ban. The resolution sets a precedent for future transfer disputes, emphasizing the need for clubs to honor their financial commitments.