Pedro Proenza wants more recognition for professional football after legislative elections

The president of the Portuguese Professional Football League (LPFP), Pedro Proença, defended this Monday “much greater recognition” of the sector, a day after the legislative elections, believing that the new government cycle will be a period of hope.

“Let the new government cycle be a rebirth of hope for all citizens and sectors of activity in the country, including sports,” said a message published today on the organization’s official Internet channels.

On Sunday, the Democratic Alliance (AD), led by Luis Montenegro, won the legislative elections with 29.49% of the votes and 79 deputies, ahead of the PS led by Pedro Nuno Santos, the second most votes, with 28.66% and 77 the chosen ones. and Chega – Andre Ventura – 18.06% and 48 mandates, according to preliminary results.

“In the case of professional football, an industry that contributes more than 667 million euros (almost 0.3%) to GDP, pays more than 228 million euros in taxes and creates 3,504 jobs deserves much more recognition than what it has received,” continued Pedro Proenza.

A former judge and head of the body responsible for professional football competitions in Portugal is calling on the country’s next government to pay more attention to the sector.

“Let this moment definitely represent a new stage in the way political power views and treats professional football and its agents. It is impossible to continue to ignore the social and economic impact of this sector. Portuguese professional football, no matter how resilient and creative it is in finding solutions to new problems and old failures, it cannot continue to be forgotten and go alone, without the support to which it is entitled,” he concluded.

Pedro Proença, 53, has headed the LPFP since 2015 and has headed the European Leagues Association since November 2023.