A new face appeared in the presidential box at Municipal de Chaves stadium recently. Dante Elizalde was there, watching the game against Feirense. His presence sparked whispers among those who follow Portuguese football closely. Now, the full story is out.
The Chaves SAD (Sociedade Anónima Desportiva), the professional part of the club, has a new owner. A Mexican business group called Clase Azul officially completed its acquisition. According to reports gathered by Record, Arturo Lomelí leads this group. Dante Elizalde will now represent them in Portugal, taking on the role of the society’s president.
Elizalde didn’t just show up for a match. He was busy. Our sources confirmed he was introduced to the Chaves squad in the locker room this past Tuesday. Francisco José Carvalho, who is leaving the club, explained the changes to the players. It marked a clear shift in leadership for the Trás-Os-Montes team.
Clase Azul isn’t your typical football investor. This Mexican company focuses on producing spirits, especially tequila and mezcal. But this isn’t their first step into the football world. They also own Atlético La Paz, a team in Mexico’s second division. Their move into Chaves shows a growing global interest in the beautiful game.
The original Chaves club released a statement about the sale. They explained they couldn’t match the offer made by the Mexican investors. The club highlighted key agreements made about the Municipal Stadium as part of the deal.
The Chaves Sports Group board met on September 15, 2025. They decided to give up their right to buy back the SAD shares. The club made it clear they didn’t have the money needed to complete such an operation at that time.
The new owners promise to build on the work done by the Carvalho Family. Their goal is simple: ensure the club’s growth and long-term health. A big part of this deal involves the stadium. The agreement includes an investment of up to €4 million in the Municipal Stadium. This money will come after Chaves gets promoted to the First League. It also depends on the club getting a 50-year concession to manage the stadium.
This new partnership is set to combine the Carvalho Family’s legacy with the fresh vision of the Mexican group. Together, they aim to secure Chaves’ future. This deal brings new stability and ambition to the club.