Botafogo sacks coach Paiva after Club World Cup elimination

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) – Botafogo sacked coach Renato Paiva on Monday, 48 hours after they were eliminated in the Club World Cup by Brazilian rival Palmeiras.

The Portuguese held the job for only four months but won Botafogo’s first Copa Libertadores title.

Botafogo said Paiva was informed on Sunday night.

Brazilian media say Botafogo chief John Textor made the decision because he wanted a more aggressive performance from the team in the 1-0 defeat to Palmeiras on Saturday in the round of 16.

TV Globo reported Paiva told Botafogo staffers that Textor was trying to interfere in his team selections, which the U.S. businessman denies.

Only 10 days ago, Botafogo beat Champions League titleholder Paris Saint-Germain 1-0, and Textor celebrated on the pitch with the 55-year-old Paiva.

Earlier, Textor relinquished his role as president of seven-time French champion Lyon to American businesswoman Michele Kang. Textor resigned following the club’s relegation over financial irregularities.

Textor has also resigned from Lyon’s board of directors. He became Lyon president three years ago, taking over from longstanding incumbent Jean-Michel Aulas, who sold to Textor’s Eagle Football Holdings after 35 years in charge.