Roughly 600 loyal club members gathered this Saturday for an emergency meeting. The air was thick with worry, not just for the club’s next match, but for its very future. The main item on the agenda was a "Recovery Plan," promising clarity on the path forward. Members hoped for details about the club’s insolvency process, its goals, and what steps were being taken.
Rui Garrido Pereira, the club president, spoke to the large crowd. He assured everyone that the board was working hard on a solution. The goal is to avoid major problems at a crucial creditors’ meeting set for September 5. Boavista had filed for insolvency just days before, on the 4th of this month. If no solution is found, the club risks losing significant assets, like the land right next to its Bessa stadium. This land is vital to the club’s identity.
Sources close to Record shared that Garrido Pereira, though unreachable later that day, insisted a financial fix was coming. But he kept the details under wraps. This lack of information left many members uneasy. Some pointed directly to the halted auction of the club’s land, a deep concern for everyone. One member even questioned why the board reportedly turned down a potential partner about three weeks ago. This partner was said to be ready to negotiate the club’s debts with major creditors, including Somague, the tax authorities, and social security. In return, they would have managed the Bessa Stadium.
The meeting also touched on "other matters," bringing more unease. Reports emerged about two serious accusations against club insiders. First, some club members allegedly profited from selling tickets for last season’s game against Sporting at Bessa. This led to a formal complaint filed with Porto’s Central Department of Investigation and Penal Action by both the club’s management company and the ticket platform, Blueticket. Second, despite Bessa Stadium being closed by Civil Protection for events, a gymnastics event reportedly took place there. The mother of an athlete involved is said to have reported this to the Portugal Gymnastics Federation.
After the tense meeting, Record reached out to the club’s board for comment. They referred to an official statement released late Saturday night. The statement from the Boavista Futebol Clube board began by thanking all who attended the Extraordinary General Assembly.
"Dear Members," the statement read, "The Boavista FC Board wishes to express its sincere gratitude to all who attended the Extraordinary General Assembly." The board highlighted the turnout of over 600 members. They called it a "clear sign of the vitality, unity, and spirit of commitment" that defines the club. The statement added that the General Assembly is a "noble moment" where member participation shows the strength of the institution.
The board also mentioned the value of these meetings. "We believe it is always very positive and prestigious to clarify matters for members, hear their opinions, and together, contribute to strengthening our shared path," the statement said. It concluded by thanking members for their "active presence, constructive debate, and support shown to the Club," stating that these actions build trust between the club’s management and its members. The board ended by expressing gratitude for the ongoing support, calling it "fundamental for the challenges we will face in the coming times."
The Boavista Futebol Clube Board.