UEFA and ECA leaders join forces with the Portuguese League Presidents’ Summit | International football

The Portuguese Professional Football League (LPFP) reiterated, this Wednesday, at the 12th Summit of Presidents, held at the Convent of São Francisco, in Coimbra, the importance of uniting European football against the threat of the creation of the Superliga, leaving once again in defense of the integrity of traditional competitions and competitive balance in Europe.

The summit, which featured speeches by the presidents of UEFA, Aleksander Ceferin, and the European Club Association (ECA), Nasser Al-Khelaifi, via video, as well as the president of the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), Fernando Gomes , and Tobias Hedtstück, UEFA Competitions Director, served to “ensure” that Portuguese clubs will not be financially harmed by the new distribution model, with the reformulation of post-2024 frameworks, providing the stability and financial security essential for development of national football.

During the meeting, the presidents of the professional clubs also discussed international challenges, especially with regard to the scheduling of European competitions, advocating a balance between domestic and international competitions.

In focus were essential themes such as the centralization of audiovisual rights and the law on violence in sport, considering the relevance of the World Cup 2030 in the future of Portuguese football. Topics to be reviewed at the next Presidents’ Summit, scheduled for September this year.

Pedro Proença waiting for the Government

Pedro Proença, at the end, explained the conclusions of this summit, but also the expectations generated around the new political cycle, essentially with regard to the Government’s vision in relation to sport. The fiscal and legislative policy regarding sports betting is, according to the president of the LPFP, fundamental for the survival and development of clubs, demanding respect for an industry that generates around 0.3% of GDP.

“There are proposals, sent to all parties, regarding the specifications of professional football. Reducing VAT, IRS and IRC rates is essential. There are a series of topics on the agenda that we want to see discussed. We are looking forward to who will take over the sports portfolio so that we can discuss the changes we recommend”.

As president of the European Leagues, Pedro Proença highlights the greater influence at the decision-making center, particularly with regard to the international calendar, for an effective adaptation of national competitions to the new reality.

“We know that there will be five more UEFA dates to occupy the sporting calendar. The reduction in the number of League Cup games meets this objective, in order to ease the clubs’ calendar”.

Rui Costa highlights Al-Khelaifi’s role

In one of the first post-summit reactions, Rui Costa, president of Benfica, highlighted the “recognition of Portuguese football” in a “very productive” meeting.

“Having three illustrious presidents here was a privilege and, being a member of the ECA, I cannot fail to highlight the role of Nasser Al-Khelaifi, who explained to Portuguese clubs the importance of joining the ECA”.

Rui Costa emphasized Nasser Al-Khelaifi’s message regarding the importance of that organization: “It has been the main barrier to the Superliga. Countries like ours have to take precautions. We had a thorough explanation of the importance of Portuguese clubs being present in this fight for defense of their rights. In the last six months, ECA has more than doubled the clubs in its organization and this is the result of the work that has been done, internationally, together with UEFA, to defend the clubs”, said the Benfica leader.