Foreign investors in Portuguese football club Rio Ave are implementing a sweeping wave of unexpected dismissals across multiple departments, including its critical youth academy, catching staff by surprise and without direct input from the club’s president.
The wide-ranging cuts affect dozens of employees. These dismissals span from administrative and bureaucratic roles to personnel within the youth football development programs.
The decision for the widespread redundancies reportedly originated from the club’s foreign investors, the Marinakis group. This move surprised many within the “Rio Ave universe,” according to reports.
Alexandrina Cruz, the president of the club’s corporate entity (SAD), is not directly responsible for the dismissals.
Among those being let go are several coaches from the club’s formation teams. Other professionals linked to the youth levels are also affected by the changes.
Satellite departments have also seen staff cuts. These include areas such as scouting, marketing, and communication.
A local newspaper sought clarification from Rio Ave regarding the dismissals but did not receive a response.