Vieira shoots at everyone, but does not confirm candidacy
98 days. That's how long it takes until Benfica's elections, which promise to be a historic one. As we approach the final three months of the "campaign," five candidates are officially announced: Cristóvão Carvalho, João Diogo Manteigas, João Noronha Lopes, Martim Mayer, and Rui Costa. However, the focus this week has been on the potential number six. Luís Filipe Vieira's candidacy for Benfica president has regained momentum in recent weeks , and over the past few days, reports have begun to emerge confirming this. First, Sérgio Conceição was named as the former president's potential coach, a report that is unlikely to be confirmed. Then, Carlos Janela, who worked with Vieira at Benfica and is a friend of his, appeared on CMTV to give a sort of kickoff to his candidacy... which (still) hasn't been confirmed.
Meanwhile, Luís Filipe Vieira gave an interview to the newspaper Correio da Manhã, under the motto "it's to win," where he confirmed that he is considering returning to the club he presided over between 2003 and 2021 (postponing the decision for the "coming weeks") and criticized Rui Costa and the other candidates. "I haven't made a decision, but I honestly don't rule out the possibility, given the last four years. This last term revealed a worrying lack of leadership and vision for all Benfica fans. We've lost prominence, we've lost influence. Benfica needs to regain its voice and influence in national organizations. This can only be achieved with strong leadership, with presence and global vision, not with silence and absence. The truth is that, among the known candidates, I don't see anyone capable of turning the tide. If I feel I'm needed, I'll be available," Vieira began, pointing in all directions.
Regarding the presidency of Rui Costa, who initially took over provisionally in July 2021, following Vieira's arrest, the former director admitted he was "mistaken," as the maestro "failed to prove he was the future." "When I was forced out in 2021, Benfica's debt was less than 100 million euros. Today, it's almost 300 million, and it's expected to rise. We were influential in sports organizations, determined, and listened to, something we've stopped being. The last FPF election was painful to watch. Benfica needs firm leadership and a clear plan, and it hasn't had that," he added. When asked about Noronha Lopes, Vieira recalled 2003: "There are moments that define history, and the new Estádio da Luz was the epicenter of the revolution. There were those who hid, and it wasn't me. There's a huge lack of understanding of what it means to lead Benfica, just a handful of clichés. They don't know how Benfica works from the inside, they're unaware of the issues, the real challenges, and they criticize for the sake of criticizing. It's not a solution."
"Application? I was forced to think about it. Four more years like this and we'll be in the same economic situation FC Porto found ourselves in last year, which will have repercussions for many years. I'm not saying the same sporting situation, because we've been there for some time. If I decide to move forward, the determining factor is my assessment of the club's current situation. I didn't work for 20 years to now watch Benfica sink, idly by. Benfica needs to get back on track. If I decide to move forward, it's to win. Benfica fans know they can count on me. I just ask members to compare, to look at what Benfica was like in 2001 [the year he joined the club as sporting director, ed.] and what it was like in 2021, and to see what's happened in the last four years. After that, if they feel I can be useful, I'll be there. Benfica can't live on charm or appearances; it needs work, vision, and courage. And I've never lacked those." he stressed.
It was 2019 when, during the club's General Assembly (GA), tempers flared, and the former president reportedly grabbed a member by the throat. Almost six years later, Luís Filipe Vieira is at risk of being expelled as a Benfica member, under the club's bylaws. When asked about this process, which is slowly progressing under Rui Costa's presidency, Vieira assures that he is "absolutely not at all" concerned. "This is an investigation with a clearly persecutory intent that is illegal, but above all, unfair. It wasn't a happy moment, but it lacks the gravity they claim. It was so serious that, more than five years later, nothing has been done... A small minority of members take advantage of the AGMs to insult and, sometimes, threaten. They go just to insult. It happened to me and continues to happen. I became indignant during one of these interventions. Those responsible? Those who want, at all costs, to avoid responsibility, scrutiny of mismanagement, and debate about the club's future. Those who fear that I might lead the club again," he concluded.
In this interview, the 76-year-old, who was the main figure in Benfica's longest-serving presidency, also addressed his legal cases, asserting his innocence. "After all this time, neither Benfica nor I have been convicted. I know I am innocent and maintain full confidence in the Portuguese justice system. There are no impediments, and I have the right to participate in the club's life like any member and without any fear. Conviction? It's a scenario members shouldn't fear. There have been executives who have been the subject of investigations, accusations, and trials who remained at the helm of their clubs and have continued to win. This happened in Portugal and throughout Europe," he recalled.
"Vieirismo? Some people use this term derogatorily, as if Vieirismo represented something bad for Benfica, when in fact it was the opposite. To speak of Vieirismo is to speak of years of hard work and sacrifice, which allowed us to save the club, build one of the best European stadiums, one of the best training centers in the world, lead the negotiations for television rights, create the first club television station in Portugal, professionalize the club, make Benfica's youth academy one of the most respected globally, reach two European finals, win a historic fourth title, and undertake an Olympic project that dignified Portugal. In short, this is Vieirismo. Vieirismo is commitment, financial credibility, putting Benfica above all else, modernizing without losing its identity, winning, being respected in Europe, and leading without falling behind others," he listed.
Finally, Vieira said that "it's an exaggeration to talk about Sporting's hegemony" "when they win two championships," but emphasized that their rival "occupied the position that Benfica allowed them to occupy, and for that, the current board is to blame." Regarding his coach, he acknowledged his connection with Sérgio Conceição, but didn't name names, only guaranteeing that Bruno Lage "is not a unifying or consensual coach." Asked about João Félix, who has been linked to a return to Luz, the former president recalled the club's debt: "There are decisions that depend not only on the sporting aspect, but on the club's sustainability. I really like João, but there are other factors that must be taken into account. I hope the current board takes this into account. Benfica needs an identity. What I really want is not to lose the ones we have here—António Silva, Florentino, and Tomás Araújo."
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