Vitória is the desire of the Victorians and people of Setubal and this substance, which is the most important heritage, cannot be imprisoned by any bankrupt estate
The Setúbal Court decided what we had feared for many years; the declaration of insolvency. After this decision, the process, in which the creditors have the knife and the cheese in hand, could end with definitive bankruptcy and the respective liquidation, which means the sale of all assets that the club and SAD still hold.
Of course, there is still hope that creditors will be able to accept the recovery plans that the club and SAD have already said they will present and, evidently, this possibility must be grasped tooth and nail. SAD and, mainly, the club must work diligently on recovery plans, seeking to add proposals and guarantees that go beyond what is stated in the PER. Who knows if, in the next 50 days, a solution will appear that will help to improve, at least a little, the situation, such as, for example, a Mourinho who decides that now is the time to save Vitória.
However, in addition to the strong commitment to a final recovery solution, it is essential that Vitória also has a plan B. This plan should have existed for a long time but now it is more urgent than ever.
Even more serious than the definitive bankruptcy of Vitória is our inability, as partners, supporters, city and region, to keep the Victorian soul alive and to continue a collective heritage that is much more than a legal entity.
Vitória is, above all, the desire of the Victorians and people of Setubal and this substance, which is the most important heritage, cannot be imprisoned by any bankrupt estate. If the creditors want to kill Vitória FC, we will have to have a plan that can deal with it. If structural aspects are taken care of, such as the conditions for usufruct of the stadium (of which the municipality holds the surface rights) and other sports facilities, the minimum conditions for the sports to be able to continue their activities are guaranteed and procedures are prepared for the formalities of creation of a new club, Vitória can continue. Even against the wishes of some creditors, Vitória can continue to live, in our hearts and in the sports of so many children and adults.
Farense was declared insolvent, was reborn with a name that, although new, maintained its entire identity, and today it is back in the I League. For those from Faro and throughout the country, it is the same Farense.
An example that could be important for Vitória. But, to do this, homework has to be done while there is time and with competence.
Two further notes that we consider necessary:
Despite the risk of a terrible outcome, the work of those responsible for the club over the last three years must be recognized. What Carlos Silva and the remaining members of the governing bodies, in the current and previous terms, showed was immense love for the club, in the form of boundless dedication. Likewise, to investor Hugo Pinto, all Victorians also owe their gratitude. It is clear that he can no longer afford it, but he has invested more than 5 million in the institution, without guarantees and, it seems, with no return. Who else would do this?
This situation that Vitória is experiencing clearly shows that the most important thing, in these conditions, are not the sporting results. First it has to be about the club, the results will come later. It is also (or even above all) due to the irrationality of the many who cannot see this that Vitória got here.
