Benfica, Sporting Lisbon and FC Porto, the power brokers behind the professional game in Portugal, met at the headquarters of the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) earlier this week to discuss the many problems besetting the Portuguese Professional Football League (LPFP).
Dr. Mário Figueiredo president of the LPFP was invited but failed to attend. Hermínio Loureiro, vice-president of the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), had previously chaired a meeting of professional clubs and stated that the Portuguese Football Federation would not, under any circumstances, want to organise professional competitions.
But the majority of clubs realise that action needs to be taken to stabilise the LPFP and strong leadership must be near the top of the list.
With no overall sponsorship for the Primeira Liga, Segunda Liga or League Cup there is growing disquiet amongst clubs. Some 2nd Division clubs threatened to boycott the League Cup and although the boycott did not materialise there is an undercurrent of disquiet.
The top clubs continue to rake in the cash – Benfica now have their own TV channel – whilst the smaller clubs struggle with low attendances and falling advertising revenue.
The Professional League appears to do little to gain the confidence of the clubs and fans. An example is the 2nd Division fixture list this season that sees SC Farense and SC Olhanense – there grounds are just eight kilometres apart – playing at home on the same day on fifteen occasions.
By CHRIS WRIGHT
