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In an official statement, Botafogo clarified that it received prize money from the Copa Libertadores on December 27 and affirmed that payments would be made within 20 business days of receipt. This means payments should be completed by January 24. The club emphasized their procedures adhere to market practices, highlighting that some ex-players had recently requested a 25% increase in their agreed bonuses without any contractual basis, suggesting these demands were an attempt to manipulate the situation for personal gain.