Vieira criticizes Pedro Proença once more, accusing him of instilling fear.
In a telling interview with NOW channel, former Benfica president Luis Filipe Vieira has levelled serious allegations against Pedro Proença, president of the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF). Vieira accused Proença of creating an atmosphere of fear in Portuguese football and claimed that he has compromised the federation's impartiality by filling key roles with individuals linked to rival club Sporting.
Vieira's accusations, if true, suggest a loss of Benfica's influence within the FPF and the national football structure. He pointed out that key roles in the Justice and Disciplinary Councils and legal departments were filled by people linked to Sporting, which he implies has weakened Benfica's standing and influence in Portuguese football administration.
The FPF and its president Pedro Proença have publicly rejected these claims, defending the federation's reputation and dismissing any suggestion that their names or the institution's impartiality are in question. However, Vieira's assertions have caused significant tension and controversy in Portuguese football, challenging the integrity and balance of power within the FPF.
Apart from these allegations, Vieira also spoke about João Félix, mentioned that he has never allowed a friend into Benfica, and claimed that he helped historic clubs like Boavista, Belenenses, and Vitória FC, but did not specify the nature of his help.
Interestingly, Vieira also threatened dismissals at Benfica if he returns to the presidency, and criticized certain employees at the club as not being friends of the club. However, he did not specify which employees he was referring to.
In a separate development, the Public Ministry (MP) has opened an inquiry against Luis Filipe Vieira for alleged defamation against Pedro Proença, the president of the Portuguese Football Federation. It remains to be seen how this inquiry will unfold and whether it will further escalate the ongoing tension in Portuguese football governance.
As of now, it is unclear whether Vieira will be a candidate in the next month's elections for the presidency of Benfica. Pedro Proença has not made any public statements in response to Vieira's accusations in professional football.
[1] Source: NOW channel interview with Luis Filipe Vieira. [3] Source: Portuguese Football Federation's public statement.
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