Botafogo have surprisingly sacked manager Renato Paiva, just four months into his tenure, despite his side’s historic victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup.
The decision follows Botafogo’s 1-0 extra-time loss to Palmeiras in the tournament’s Round of 16.
Paiva’s team gained global attention by beating PSG 1-0 in the group stage, after an initial win against Seattle Sounders, and ultimately qualified as Group B runners-up.
While Botafogo’s statement acknowledged Paiva’s “historic victory against Paris Saint-Germain” and qualification for other major tournaments, Paiva himself expressed shock.
“All I can say is that I’m shocked, and the staff and players are open-mouthed about the decision,” he told Globo Esporte.
