The Allegation: Vieira`s Version of a “Revolution”
The latest spark igniting this enduring feud came from Luís Filipe Vieira, the former and now a candidate for Benfica`s presidency. In a recent interview with CNN, Vieira painted a vivid picture of a “revolution” he purportedly orchestrated in 2015 concerning the leadership of the Liga de Clubes (Portuguese League).
Vieira claimed to have been the driving force, alongside Porto`s long-serving president Pinto da Costa, in selecting the League`s president. He recounted a pivotal meeting in Coimbra involving himself, Pinto da Costa, António Salvador (Braga`s president), and Júlio Mendes (Vitória de Guimarães` president). Crucially, Vieira asserted that Sporting CP was conspicuously absent from these foundational discussions, implying their exclusion from a significant moment in Portuguese football governance. According to Vieira, an agreement was reached: no officials from Benfica or Porto would serve on the Liga`s social bodies, and Pinto da Costa would handpick the president, who turned out to be Luís Duque. Vieira`s narrative then detailed how Pedro Proença later bypassed this arrangement, securing da Costa`s support to take control, thereby “controlling football.”
The Retort: De Carvalho`s “Champions League of Lies”
Such a revisionist history, particularly one that sidelines a rival club, was naturally met with a vigorous rebuttal. Bruno de Carvalho, the flamboyant former president of Sporting CP, wasted no time in taking to Instagram to issue a scathing response. His message was unequivocal: Vieira, he stated, “is lying.”
De Carvalho`s critique was sharp, laced with the kind of theatrical flair often associated with Portuguese football`s administrative battles. He sarcastically suggested that Vieira “would be a great acquisition for Benfica” – a classic dig implying that Vieira`s talent lies more in storytelling than objective truth. More pointedly, De Carvalho asserted that the discussions concerning Luís Duque`s candidacy for the Liga presidency did involve him and Pinto da Costa, directly contradicting Vieira`s account of Sporting`s exclusion. His absence from the meeting was, he explained, due to commitments with Sporting, not a lack of involvement.
The former Sporting chief delivered the coup de grâce with a memorable line, declaring that “This guy lying is Champions League.” An undeniably ironic compliment, it likens Vieira`s alleged untruthfulness to the elite level of football, suggesting a masterclass in obfuscation rather than an honest recollection of events.
The Underlying Dynamics: Power, Perception, and Presidential Races
This latest public spat is more than just a squabble over past events; it`s a window into the complex and often confrontational world of Portuguese football governance. The Liga de Clubes presidency is a powerful position, capable of shaping the sport`s direction, and control over its leadership is a fiercely contested prize among the `Big Three` clubs (Benfica, Porto, Sporting).
The timing of Vieira`s interview is also highly pertinent. With Benfica`s presidential elections scheduled for October 25, 2025, and Vieira among the six candidates, his public statements serve a clear political purpose. By positioning himself as a leader who orchestrated a “revolution” and excluded rivals like Sporting from key decisions, he attempts to solidify his image and appeal to the club`s electoral base. De Carvalho`s immediate and forceful denial, therefore, becomes a direct challenge to Vieira`s campaign narrative, aiming to undermine his credibility and control over the historical record.
An Enduring Spectacle
The history of Portuguese football is rich with such dramatic confrontations between rival factions and strong personalities. These exchanges, while often acrimonious, are a testament to the profound passion and high stakes involved in club politics. Whether it`s a battle for silverware on the pitch or a war of words over historical “truths,” one thing remains constant: in this corner of the football world, every word is a strategic play, and every accusation is a headline waiting to happen. The ongoing “Champions League of lies” will undoubtedly keep fans and pundits alike entertained, if not always enlightened.
