A global football integrity chief delivered a stark warning to Portuguese professional clubs, asserting that the long-standing model of lucrative television rights is collapsing and demanding immediate unity to avert severe financial consequences.
Emanuel Medeiros, Global CEO of the Sport Integrity Global Alliance (SIGA), appealed for understanding among the nation’s professional teams. He specifically urged major clubs to align on crucial national football issues, particularly regarding television rights negotiations.
Medeiros stated that the current development trajectory of professional football, both in Europe and worldwide, is nearing its end. “The empire of television rights is coming to an end,” he told an audience in Porto.
He stressed the urgent need for solutions, acknowledging that while they exist, they are difficult to implement. Medeiros called on club presidents, especially those of the largest clubs, to recognize the “critical moment” football is enduring, not only in Portugal but globally.
The SIGA chief emphasized the necessity for responsibility, business acumen, and a collective spirit among Portuguese clubs. He warned that without unity, there would be no stability, and consequently, no strategic direction or progress.
“The option is clear,” Medeiros said. “Either there is strategic unity, convergence of purposes and paths, or the outcome is evident, it will be a painful outcome.”
He directly challenged clubs to disabuse themselves of old expectations. “Television companies will not pay the same as they did 10 years ago,” he asserted.
Medeiros indicated that the only way to quickly reverse this trend lies in strong leadership, a clear strategic sense, and unified action. Each club must take its responsibilities, he concluded.
His remarks were made during the opening speech of the Forum on Health and Integrity in High Performance, held recently at the Liga Portugal Arena in Porto.