John Textor's Skateboarding Incident and Allegations of Corruption in Brazilian Football

Skateboarding Stunt Leads to Injury

On Saturday, a video surfaced showing John Textor, the owner of multiple football clubs including Olympique Lyonnais, Crystal Palace, and Botafogo, skateboarding at a surf festival in Saquarema, Rio de Janeiro. Despite pulling off an impressive trick, Textor, aged 58, suffered a fall that led to an operation on his right elbow the following day, Sunday.

Textor's Comments on the Incident

Reflecting on the accident, Textor admitted to Brazilian media that he should have worn elbow pads and avoided jumps suited for younger individuals. Despite his experience, the fall was severe, prompting medical intervention.

Corruption Allegations in Brazilian Football

While in Brazil, Textor is also involved in a serious matter, addressing the Federal Senate in Brasília regarding corruption in Brazilian football. He has accused Palmeiras of buying referees over the past two years and implicated players from São Paulo FC and Fortaleza in result manipulation. During his testimony, he presented evidence, including an audio recording, supporting his claims.

Textor's Strong Stance on Cleaning Up Brazilian Football

At the conclusion of his hearing, Textor emphasized the need to address corruption, stating that the manipulation of results is a global issue, not just confined to Brazil. He urged for a thorough investigation and cleanup of Brazilian football to align with global standards.

Personal Engagement and Previous Engagements

Despite his injury, Textor's commitment to his clubs and football integrity remains strong. Earlier this year, he was seen interacting warmly with fans during a Coupe de France match, enhancing his popularity among supporters. His recent activities continue to draw attention both on and off the field.