A former senior executive at Portuguese football giant Benfica has publicly criticized the club’s alleged disinvestment in its successful women’s football program, warning that the policy risks reversing the sport’s growth in Portugal and benefiting the national federation.
Fernando Tavares, Benfica’s former Vice-President for Modalities, published his critical assessment following the women’s team’s 1-1 draw with Twente. He stated that low attendance at recent Women’s Champions League matches reveals a potential regression in the sport and growing fan disinterest.
Tavares specifically argued that this decline is a consequence of reduced investment in team quality. He noted that the Lisbon club had lost key players such as Kika, Ana Vitória, and Cloe Lacasse, describing these departures as “irreparable losses.”
He contended that after reaching the Champions League quarterfinals, a feat achieved by few Portuguese teams, Benfica should have intensified investment. Instead, he claimed the club regressed in recruiting players to fill gaps and elevate its competitive standard.
Tavares asserted that Benfica was the primary catalyst for women’s football development in Portugal for five of its seven years of existence. During this period, the team’s European ranking impressively climbed from 97th to 10th place in just three Champions League seasons, culminating in a quarter-final appearance.
The former executive highlighted the recognition of Benfica’s coach, Filipa Patão, who was nominated among the world’s top six for the Ballon d’Or award. He also contrasted past fan engagement with current figures.
Benfica once drew 27,000 spectators for a match against rival Sporting. This stands in stark contrast to the approximately 2,000 fans who attended the club’s recent European fixture.
Tavares believes that if the current policy of disinvestment does not reverse, the national competitions will be “leveled down.” He added that this outcome has “always interested” the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) and its officials in the name of “competitive balance,” even if it leads to “a picture of poverty” for the sport.