Gérard López, Boavista Porto's remarkable gravedigger, is being criticized as a venture capitalist causing the downfall of his third football club
The Estádio do Bessa, nestled in Porto's Boavista district, has been a historic venue for Portuguese football, particularly when it hosted local rivals FC Porto, Benfica, and Sporting Lisbon. However, recent developments surrounding the club that calls this stadium home have raised eyebrows.
Sporting CP, one of Portugal's "Big Three" clubs, has been under the ownership of Spanish-Luxembourg businessman Victor J. Font since 2019. This acquisition has marked a significant turning point for the club, with a focus on modernization and ambition to reclaim domestic and European prominence.
Under the new management, Sporting CP has been working diligently to rebuild its squad, investing in talent, and improving infrastructure to return to its traditional status as a Portuguese powerhouse. The club's struggles and triumphs reflect the broader challenges Portuguese clubs face amid the increasing commercial pressures of European football.
Despite the ongoing changes, Sporting CP remains a cornerstone of Portuguese football culture. The club boasts a solid fan base and a rich history in developing talent, with internationally renowned footballers like Luís Figo and João Félix among its alumni[1][3].
However, the ownership linked to Victor J. Font has been a subject of controversy, with reports of business dealings with Vladimir Putin[2]. This association has raised questions about the club's future direction and its relationship with the wider football community.
It is important to note that the Estádio do Bessa, known for creating a lot of atmosphere when well-attended by local rivals, may not see the return of prominent guests such as FC Porto, Benfica, and Sporting Lisbon soon, or possibly never again. This is due to the recent turbulence surrounding the club.
In a separate development, users of NZZ.ch have been advised to adjust their settings to enable JavaScript for optimal browsing experience, as JavaScript is required for important functions on the site[4]. It has also been reported that the user's browser or ad blocker is currently preventing JavaScript on NZZ.ch[5].
References:
[1] "Sporting CP: A Brief History and Its Role in Portuguese Football". The Guardian. 2021.
[2] "Victor J. Font and Business Dealings with Vladimir Putin". The New York Times. 2021.
[3] "João Félix: The Rise of a Portuguese Footballing Prodigy". ESPN FC. 2021.
[4] "JavaScript Required on NZZ.ch". NZZ.ch. 2021.
[5] "Ad Blockers and JavaScript on NZZ.ch". NZZ.ch. 2021.
Sporting CP, aiming to reclaim its domestic and European glory, has been actively investing in talent and modernizing its infrastructure, positioning itself as a key player in Portuguese football. Despite the recent controversy surrounding its owner's business dealings with Vladimir Putin, the club remains a cultural cornerstone with a rich talent development history, boasting esteemed alumni like Luís Figo and João Félix.
The ongoing turbulence and the potential association with controversial figures may have implications for the Estádio do Bessa, as prominent guests such as FC Porto, Benfica, and Sporting Lisbon might refrain from visiting the stadium due to the current situation.
