Investigation is underway of Primeira Liga clubs Benfica, Sporting and Santa Clara involving a corruption and money laundering investigation related to player transfers has led to the Portuguese general prosecutor’s office authorising nearly 30 searches, carried out by the Judicial Police and Tax Authority on the direction of the Public Ministry, at the offices of the mentioned clubs.
All three clubs have confirmed the searches and Benfica has expressed their willingness to cooperate with the authorities. Sporting, in a statement, commended the efforts to promote transparency in Portuguese football and stated that the investigation is focused on alleged irregularities between 2011-2014.
The prosecutors have revealed that they are looking into various cases related to professional football, including economic participation in business, corrupt practices, tax fraud and money laundering. One of the main targets of the authorities is reported to be Benfica’s president, Luís Filipe Vieira, a real estate businessman who has been re-elected as president of the 37-time Portuguese champions. Vieira, who has been in charge since 2003, is also facing a corruption trial and a tax fraud investigation. Benfica has also been implicated in match-fixing.
However, the club’s vice-president, Varandas Fernandes, has stated that Vieira remains calm and focused on the club’s affairs, with the legal team handling the ongoing investigations. Fernandes has assured the fans that the club will continue to maintain its good financial, sporting and property results, and that the legality of all procedures used will be proven in due course.
