The long-standing puzzle over who would join the football league’s management team is finally solved. There was no need for a dramatic lottery, which many expected. Instead, a surprising agreement between Sporting and Benfica cleared the way for Alverca to be chosen. This happened quickly in the second round of voting, a vote limited to the league’s three biggest clubs, as rules demand.
For weeks, the process had been stuck. Everyone agreed on V. Guimarães filling one spot on the board. But the last open position caused a standoff. Sporting wanted Santa Clara, while Benfica pushed for Estrela da Amadora. FC Porto, meanwhile, insisted that Sp. Braga keep its seat. Early in the month, many voting rounds failed to break the tie. It seemed a lottery was the only way out.
But this Saturday, a pact between the clubs led by Frederico Varandas and Rui Costa brought the issue to an end. Sources close to the discussions revealed that in an initial vote, the big clubs stuck to their first choices. However, a key rule became clear: Sp. Braga could not be re-elected to the board. This meant the idea of having the five most powerful teams represented in this crucial period for Portuguese football was no longer possible.
With Sp. Braga out of the running, Sporting and Benfica held onto their picks, Santa Clara and Estrela da Amadora. FC Porto, in turn, threw its support behind Moreirense. Then came the second round of voting. This time, FC Porto suggested Estoril. But it was in this round that Sporting and Benfica found common ground, agreeing on Alverca. This unexpected alliance led to Alverca’s immediate election.
It is worth remembering that the league’s board includes eight clubs: five from the top division and three from the second. Marítimo, Leixões, and Feirense are the chosen representatives from the lower tier. Sporting, Benfica, FC Porto, V. Guimarães, and now Alverca make up the top division’s part of the board. This group will work closely with the league’s president, Reinaldo Teixeira.
By rule, the three major clubs automatically get a seat on the board. This is because, of the five first-division spots, three are given to the clubs that ranked highest, based on their average position over the last four seasons. These three powerful clubs then get to choose the remaining two spots.
This particular term is seen as one of the most important in the history of Portuguese football. The new board will handle critical matters, like the complex process of centralizing television rights for all clubs.