The President of the Portuguese Professional Football League (LPFP) announced this Wednesday that a special party with “many new features” is being prepared to proclaim Sporting CP national champions of the I League this season.
“This is a very important moment not only for the dedication of the sport, but also for the brands that support the competition. We are preparing a strong party with many new features. This will be one of the most exciting moments in the Portuguese league,” said Pedro Proença on the sidelines of the Rio Ave 85th anniversary gala.
Apart from the presentation of the championship trophy to Sporting, which will take place on the final day at a reception at the Desportivo de Chavez on the weekend of May 18 and 19, Pedro Proenza believes that professional competition will continue to be interesting until the end.
“We have reached the final rounds in recent decades and many things remain to be decided. This season we have yet to learn about promotions, relegations and qualifications for European competitions. This is proof of the viability of our football,” said the LPFP. leader.
Proença has also tackled the major challenge of centralizing audiovisual rights, which is due to take effect from 2026, guaranteeing “unity between clubs” in the process.
“If we look at Europe, only Portugal and Cyprus do not have centralization. We must reverse it. Clubs are already working on this, and with great determination. A society has already been created that will manage the entire process and that will integrate all clubs, including those that receive the most,” emphasized Pedro Proenza.
The LFPF President also commented on the entry of investors into several SAD teams competing at the national professional level, as is expected to happen in Rio Ave, and considered it important to “maintain a balance between association football and industrial football.” football”.
“Important legislative changes have already taken place on this issue. It is important to preserve the essence of the sport, but to understand that today football is also an economic, entertainment activity that brings in many millions and pays a lot of taxes. This is a reality that requires great rigor, but we naturally see the arrival of investors, as is happening in many other European clubs,” he emphasized.
Despite this, Pedro Proenza guaranteed a “strict framework” for companies that do not comply with obligations and rules.
“As a regulator, we need to understand that there are sporting competitions, but there are also economic competitions. It is not those who want to participate in professional competitions, but those who can. The regulatory framework is very demanding. Later this year we will make changes to the salary control chapter, which will come into force next season. The consequences for those who do not comply with these requirements will be very severe,” he assured.
Pedro Proença also spoke about the recognition of Rio Ave’s anniversary, praising the growth of the Vila Condens club.
“They knew how to make the transition from an associational model to a professional model. Congratulations to Rio Ave and President Alexandrina Cruz, who had a hard time, but who knew how to find her way and who has already trained us to be at a higher level,” he concluded.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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