A sudden claim from Martim Mayer on CMTV sent ripples through the club’s election campaigns. He stated that about six weeks ago, João Diogo Manteigas visited him. Mayer said this meeting, arranged by the respected António Simões, involved a proposal from Manteigas. The lawyer, according to Mayer, wanted to combine their election efforts. In return, Manteigas allegedly asked for a place on the club’s Football S.A.D. board.
But João Diogo Manteigas quickly fired back, using the “Visão Vermelha” podcast to set the record straight. He painted a very different picture of that encounter. Manteigas confirmed the meeting did happen. He explained it was set up by António Simões, a man he holds in high regard. Simões also serves as Martim Mayer’s campaign manager. Manteigas shared his fondness for Simões, and Simões’s affection for him.
Manteigas detailed the lead-up. Before the recent World Cup, someone close to Simões reached out. They said Mayer planned to launch his candidacy and wanted to speak with Manteigas. Manteigas was open to talking, but he wondered why. Simões suggested their campaigns were “complementary.” Manteigas agreed to meet anyone, but he felt a merger wasn’t really a strong possibility.
The meeting took place, Manteigas confirmed, but he insists there was no talk of joining forces. He recalls Mayer saying he would press ahead with his own run. Mayer also mentioned meeting João Noronha Lopes in January to discuss Noronha Lopes’s own candidacy. Manteigas wished Mayer well for his independent campaign. He even suggested they both attend the General Assembly, which they did. Manteigas noted Mayer’s last appearance at such an assembly was in 2012, as part of Rui Rangel’s slate. Manteigas believes some are trying to twist the facts to protect themselves. He suggested that TV stations or reporters should get the candidates together for a direct debate.
Manteigas also pointed out that this isn’t the first time rumors have flown about him joining Mayer’s camp. Months ago, a CNN program reported a potential merger, but Manteigas said no one from CNN ever called him to confirm. He firmly stated that he and his team never considered combining forces. In fact, Manteigas claims he told Mayer, “I’ve been here for a year. You’ll need to show what you can do. I know what my campaign is worth. Now, see what yours is worth. Then, perhaps it would be good for you to join us.”
Manteigas expressed disappointment about how Mayer used the General Assembly against him and Noronha Lopes. He also felt sorry for António Simões, a respected figure within the club, who is now Mayer’s main backer. Manteigas sees this as a political tactic. He warned that while his campaign hasn’t been caught off guard, they must be careful. He believes his team is doing things the right way. Manteigas warned that such claims from Martim Mayer could prove costly. He noted this is the third time such a situation has occurred, citing past news of a potential merger and Rui Santos suggesting he would step aside for Mayer.
As for the idea of him asking for a place on the Football S.A.D. board? Manteigas found it absurd. He questioned why someone would work for over a year on their own project just to become an administrator in another person’s plan. He strongly believes his campaign has the best people, the best plan, the deepest understanding, and the most drive. He also runs his own law firm and has significant responsibilities. He concluded by asking why he would sell his ambitions to join another leader’s board.