The Denial: João Diogo Manteigas`s Stance
João Diogo Manteigas, a candidate for the Benfica presidency, recently took to the “Visão Vermelha” podcast to firmly deny any suggestion that he had sought an alliance with fellow contender Martim Mayer. Manteigas confirmed that a meeting between the two did indeed occur, but he was quick to clarify its nature and purpose.
“A meeting did happen, promoted by a gentleman for whom I hold great respect, Mr. António Simões, who is Martim Mayer`s campaign manager. António Simões, whom I like very much and who likes me very much. Before the World Cup, if I`m not mistaken, he, through an intermediary, told me that Martim was going to launch his candidacy and that he would like me to speak with him.”
According to Manteigas, this initial overture suggested a conversation about their complementary profiles. However, Manteigas asserts that the discussion never veered into the territory of forming a joint ticket or any formal alliance. He conveyed his openness to dialogue but expressed skepticism about the viability of such a union.
“I said I could speak with him, but to what end? To join me? He said, `It`s convenient, as you are complementary.` I replied that I could sit at the table with anyone, but there wasn`t much viability. We had that meeting, but nothing about joining forces. He said he would go ahead, mentioned he had met with João Noronha Lopes, if I`m not mistaken in January, regarding João Noronha Lopes`s candidacy. That meeting happened, but he had decided to go ahead with a solitary candidacy, and I congratulated him.”
Manteigas emphasized that their conversation focused on their individual paths and a shared attendance at a General Assembly, not a merger of their campaigns. He also took the opportunity to call for direct debates, suggesting that public discourse, rather than indirect accusations, is the proper arena for resolving such discrepancies.
The Counter-Claim: Martim Mayer`s Firm Assertion
Manteigas`s denial, however, stands in direct opposition to Martim Mayer`s earlier statements. In an interview with CMTV, Mayer presented a distinctly different account, asserting that Manteigas had not only initiated contact but had also made a concrete proposal for an alliance.
“João Diogo Manteigas called me and came to my house because he asked to speak with me. He made a concrete proposal to join my candidacy.”
Mayer, who leads the “Benfica no Sangue” (Benfica in the Blood) list, went further, alleging that Manteigas`s proposal included a specific role: that of an administrator for the club`s SAD (Sociedade Anónima Desportiva), the corporate entity that manages the professional football team. This detail adds a layer of specificity to Mayer`s claims, implying a tangible offer rather than just a casual discussion.
“He wanted to be an administrator of the SAD, not to be in the club`s social bodies, and he made proposals around other complementary things. Absolutely true. This happened in my house, face to face. It happened roughly a month and a half ago. He denied that, just as he denied what happened at the General Assembly now, but my versions are the correct ones. They are not versions, they are truths. Lies have short legs.”
Mayer`s final comment, “Lies have short legs,” is a Portuguese idiom equivalent to “the truth will out,” serving as a pointed jab at Manteigas`s credibility and strongly suggesting a deliberate misrepresentation of facts from Manteigas`s side.
The Broader Implications: Navigating Electoral Fog
This public spat highlights the intense scrutiny and political maneuvering inherent in elections for a club of Benfica`s stature. Such contradictions can sow seeds of doubt among the electorate, forcing members to weigh competing claims and discern the truth in a fog of electoral rhetoric. For a club known for its passionate fanbase and rich history, leadership battles are never merely about policy; they are also about trust, integrity, and perception.
The call for direct debates by Manteigas rings particularly true in this context. Transparent, face-to-face confrontations, where candidates can directly address and challenge each other`s assertions, could offer the clarity that Benfica members undoubtedly seek. Until then, the question of who approached whom, and with what intent, remains a matter of public debate and speculation.
As October 25th approaches, the members of Benfica will have to decide which narrative resonates most with their vision for the club`s future, and whether these alleged backroom discussions influence their ultimate choice. It`s a classic tale of “he said, he said” in the world of sports governance, reminding us that even off the pitch, the game is always on.
