Gabriel de Alba hesitates to take control of Botafogo

Gabriel de Alba, co-founder of GDA Luma, is reportedly hesitant to assume control of Botafogo's football operations due to institutional instability and poor sporting performance.

One primary concern is the ongoing tension with John Textor. Although an arbitral tribunal removed Textor from power in April 2026, he continues to claim ownership of the SAF. While Textor has seen legal successes in the United States, he has faced consecutive defeats in Brazilian courts. Textor is currently seeking dialogue with GDA and Botafogo's social members, who are the current majority shareholders.

The second factor is the club's current athletic crisis. Botafogo is facing a potential relegation in the Brazilian Serie A, having secured only two wins in its last ten matches. A relegation would significantly devalue the asset for GDA Luma and its investors. De Alba has expressed ambitious plans for the club, but his involvement remains uncertain as the club navigates judicial recovery processes.