The 11th International Guadiana Tournament gets under way at the Stadium of the Algarve today (Friday).
According to organisers the prestigious pre-season friendly has been moved from Vila Real de Santo António for ‘security reasons’ as well as to provide it with a ‘bigger stage’.
Benfica take on Paris Saint-Germain at 8.45pm followed by PSG v Anderlecht and Benfica v Anderlecht at the same time on Saturday and Sunday- tickets are priced at €20 and €25.
The three-day affair should provide a welcome financial boost for the Faro and Loulé Câmaras, struggling to find the €2 million required annually for the Euro 2004 venue’s upkeep.
It is hoped that an ongoing plan to achieve privatisation can be concluded by the end of the year, lifting the heavy financial load off the shoulders of the two municipalities.
