Benfica official Rui Costa has warned that specific clauses within the Portuguese football club’s statutes pose a “danger” to its future, particularly those governing the rejection of financial reports. He expressed concern over how these rules could destabilize leadership and decision-making at the Lisbon-based club.
Costa specifically highlighted a statute provision that mandates the collapse of a board if two financial reports are rejected by members. He labeled this a perilous element for Benfica’s long-term stability.
His comments came after a recent general assembly where members rejected a financial report showing a positive balance of approximately USD 32.4 million. Costa called this outcome “a very strange situation,” noting it represented the club’s third-best financial result.
While acknowledging that the club’s statutes were democratically approved and designed to strengthen Benfica, Costa reiterated his belief that certain clauses, like the one concerning financial reporting, present significant risks. He suggested that such crucial votes should involve a broader base of the club’s members.
In the same interview, Costa also addressed rival candidate João Noronha Lopes’ decision to publicly disclose his income tax declarations. Costa stated he did not understand the necessity of such an act, calling it a “personal need” of one individual.
He questioned why he should follow suit, adding that he has never claimed to be the “best player in the world” or the “best manager in the world.” Costa, who has been with Benfica for five years, clarified he continues in his role without a salary, emphasizing his motivations are not financial.