Rui Costa, the current president of Portuguese football club Benfica, today strongly rejected accusations from a rival candidate and condemned what he called “anything goes” tactics in the ongoing election campaign.
Speaking to journalists at a Benfica club outpost in Évora, Portugal, Mr. Costa, 53, pushed back against claims from João Noronha Lopes. Mr. Lopes had alleged on a local television channel that Costa had served as an “electoral flag” for former club president João Vale e Azevedo.
“Many things are said, but given the responsibility we have towards the members, it’s appropriate to say things as they are,” Mr. Costa stated. “Not everything goes to be elected president. I didn’t fall here by parachute, I’m not an ‘occasional Benfica fan,’ and I’ve always served this club.”
The former midfielder denied ever being an “electoral flag” for Mr. Vale e Azevedo. He acknowledged a commitment to return to Benfica, but insisted this desire was independent of who held the presidency.
Mr. Costa urged his rival to understand the club’s history. He noted that in 1996, when Mr. Vale e Azevedo campaigned on the prospect of bringing Costa back to the club, Manuel Damásio actually won the election.
“You need to know Benfica’s history to say things as they are. Not everything goes; there must be respect,” Mr. Costa added. He also dismissed another claim by Mr. Lopes that he was afraid of Pedro Proença, stating he has “never been afraid of anything” and has spoken openly about support for the Portuguese Football Federation candidacy.
Mr. Costa, who secured over 42 percent of the votes in the initial round, emphasized that he is approaching the runoff as if starting from zero. He underlined that no candidate “owns” the club members’ votes.
“I will never impose myself on the members; I will always be true to myself,” he said. He expressed gratitude to those who will vote for him, but stressed the need to “secure the members,” not just previous candidates.
The current president mentioned Bruno Batista, a figure from a previous club list, who announced his intention to vote for Mr. Costa.
Mr. Costa concluded his day with a dinner in the city of Portalegre, acknowledging the continued work needed for his campaign. He appealed for a strong voter turnout in the runoff.
“We want to break the voting record,” Mr. Costa said. He added that both he and his opponent must attract more support beyond their initial voter bases to achieve a majority.