Portuguese football leaders have established a new strategic forum, bringing together eight key entities to collaborate on reforms aimed at creating a more competitive and inclusive professional game.
Liga Portugal, the country’s professional football league, unveiled the Professional Football Strategic Forum this past Thursday. The initiative seeks to unite various class associations to reflect on core issues impacting the sport.
Reinaldo Teixeira, president of Liga Portugal, emphasized the forum’s goal to build “a football increasingly competitive, inclusive, and social.” He added that participants are collectively committed to “treating the sport better for the good of all.”
The forum involves a broad spectrum of stakeholders, from players and coaches to referees and medical staff. This widespread engagement is intended to foster a unified approach to systemic challenges.
As a first step, five working groups have already been formed. These groups will tackle topics ranging from professional manager status and player health to salary controls and arbitration.
Joaquim Evangelista, president of the Players’ Union, highlighted the necessity of such a platform. He stated it “makes sense for a space for reflection to face the future.”
Henrique Calisto, president of the Coaches’ Association, called the forum a “relevant example.” He believes football will be “stronger if all agents… find solutions together.”
José Borges, president of the Referees’ Association, affirmed his group’s commitment. He said arbitration “wants to be part of the solution” for Portuguese professional football’s strategy.
Working groups will convene monthly to discuss various themes. Their conclusions and proposed measures will be presented at bimonthly plenary meetings.
These proposed measures could involve dialogue with the Portuguese government and other public and private institutions. They may also lead to changes in existing football regulations.
The five initial working groups are dedicated to: professional manager status and sports agents; certification, health, and insurance; salary control and licensing; competition, arbitration, and discipline; and football and society.
The eight entities comprising the Strategic Forum include Liga Portugal, the Players’ Union, the National Association of Football Coaches, and the Portuguese Association of Football Referees. Other participants are the National Association of Football and Futsal Managers, the National Association of Football Doctors, the National Association of Football Delegates, and the National Association of Sports Nurses, Therapists, and Masseurs for Football, Futsal, and Beach Football.