A former vice-president of Portuguese football club SL Benfica has issued a strong public defense of presidential candidate João Noronha Lopes, countering what he called “vicious and defamatory attacks” linking him to the club’s scandal-ridden past and questioning his commitment ahead of a critical election.
Manuel Tinoco de Faria, who served as vice-president under Manuel Vilarinho from 2000 to 2003, released an open letter dated November 7, 2025. He worked directly with Noronha Lopes in the club’s legal department during a period of financial distress following the presidency of João Vale e Azevedo.
The comparison of Noronha Lopes to Vale e Azevedo, a former president known for leaving the club’s finances “exangues,” was singled out by Tinoco de Faria. He described this particular accusation as an “almost criminal assault” on a man of “irreprehensible past” and “serious” character.
Tinoco de Faria stated this defamation was part of an “insidious campaign” designed to mislead club members. He issued his testimony to ensure members vote “in good conscience and not stimulated by lies or half-truths.”
Noronha Lopes has also faced accusations of voting against the construction of the club’s stadium. Tinoco de Faria clarified that the board collectively weighed the project’s viability due to Benfica’s dramatic financial state. Ultimately, he affirmed, “all of us solidly finished the construction of the stadium.”
Another attack claimed Noronha Lopes only served 58 days on the Vilarinho board. Tinoco de Faria stated Noronha Lopes began as an alternate vice-president but immediately worked with him in the legal area.
He participated daily in key tasks, including preparing a capital increase operation. Noronha Lopes resigned about a year later to pursue a professional opportunity, which the board understood and accepted.