It was a day that laid bare the raw nerves of club politics at Luz. João Diogo Manteigas, a candidate running under the banner “Benfica Vencerá,” did not hold back. He aimed sharp words directly at José Pereira da Costa, the president of the General Assembly Table (MAG). Manteigas and his team were deeply critical of how the General Assemblies unfolded.
The main issue, Manteigas argued, centers on Pereira da Costa’s silence. The MAG president has not told members if he plans to run for election himself. This lack of clarity, Manteigas believes, is just one part of a larger, troubling picture. Imagine a crucial election for one of the biggest sports clubs, and the rulebook for it isn’t even ready. That’s the situation here, with less than a month to go before the vote.
Manteigas’s campaign released a strong statement. “He needs to truly examine his own actions,” the statement declared about Pereira da Costa. “He should understand how we ended up in this mess. There are no approved rules, and the election is almost here.” The statement continued, suggesting Pereira da Costa must change his behavior toward the club members. Members, Manteigas pointed out, had already voiced their displeasure. They outright rejected the secrecy and hidden dealings from the club’s leadership during this process.
The stakes are high. This upcoming vote is called the largest election in any sports club’s history. Manteigas wants to make sure it runs right. He is pushing for something fundamental: transparency, honesty, and a solid process. To achieve this, João Diogo Manteigas has put forward six specific measures. He believes these steps will ensure a fair and trustworthy election.
