Benfica President Rui Costa has publicly challenged his predecessor, Luís Filipe Vieira, questioning why Vieira kept him in senior roles for 12 years if he held such critical views now. Costa’s remarks come amidst Vieira’s alleged ongoing attacks during the current election campaign for the club’s leadership.
Costa, who is seeking re-election on October 25, described Vieira’s public statements as deeply personal and hurtful.
“If a person says all that about me, then why did he keep me there for so many years?” Costa stated in an interview with Portuguese broadcaster SIC. He added that if he had an employee he considered incompetent or a “traitor,” that person would not work for him.
The current club leader also declared he would not extend a hand to Vieira if they were to meet. He noted their only encounter in the past four years since his ascent to the presidency was in court, where Costa represented Benfica.
Costa expressed significant disappointment over the situation, suggesting people should be more honest with each other. He emphasized his loyalty was always to Benfica, even during his 12 years alongside Vieira.
Costa dismissed further engagement with Vieira’s criticisms during the campaign, stating he prefers to discuss his own projects and vision for the club. He expressed confidence in winning the upcoming election, regardless of whether it requires a first or second round.
Should he lose, Costa affirmed he would remain a fan and not act as an obstacle to any successor. He highlighted the importance of internal unity, noting that ongoing conflicts harm the club. Benfica, which recently reached 400,000 members, aims for 500,000 in the next mandate under his leadership.