FC Porto’s general assembly on Saturday is set to deliberate the contentious expulsion of four members, including a prominent fan leader currently in preventive detention, under an unusual procedural structure that delays voting until all key debates conclude.
The assembly’s primary focus will be these expulsions, stemming from incidents at a November 2023 meeting that triggered “Operation Praetorian,” a judicial investigation into alleged violence and criminal activity.
The most high-profile case involves Fernando Madureira, former leader of the “Super Dragões” fan group. His expulsion vote is on the agenda, but it is unlikely to proceed as he is currently in preventive detention and cannot attend the meeting.
The other members facing expulsion are Sandra Madureira, Vítor Catão, and Vítor Aleixo (father). These penalties were imposed by the club’s Fiscal and Disciplinary Council.
The day’s agenda also includes a vote on the club’s financial accounts for the last season.
Under the unique procedural setup, members will only be able to cast their votes after all items subject to deliberation have been debated. This includes a half-hour open discussion period on general club interests, scheduled after the expulsion votes.
The General Assembly convocation emphasizes that interventions on the expulsion appeals must be strictly limited to the facts presented in the appealed decision and the appeal itself.
Voting will be guaranteed for members who are in line by 7:00 PM local time (1800 UTC). The assembly itself is scheduled to begin at 9:00 AM local time (0800 UTC).
Club officials, led by António Tavares, are preparing for a potential surge of voters in the final hours of the assembly. This is due to a scheduling conflict on the same day.
FC Porto is set to play Sintrense in the Portuguese Cup 4th round match at 8:15 PM local time (1915 UTC) at Estádio do Dragão.
Security protocols are in place, mirroring those of recent general assemblies that proceeded without incident.