Benfica mobilise members amid fears centralised TV deal could cost €20m a year | OneFootball

Rui Costa fears Benfica could lose €20 million a year under Portugal's centralised broadcast-rights model, and the club has moved to mobilise members through a petition.

According to Glorioso 1904, Benfica have texted members urging them to sign the initiative launched by Rui Costa, the first signatory. The message warns of major annual losses under centralisation and includes a link.

The petition has already cleared the signature threshold required for debate in a plenary session of the Assembleia da República. The aim is to suspend implementation until an independent technical, economic and legal assessment, followed by a possible review of the model.

Benfica argue audiovisual rights are central to club financing. They contend the current blueprint could depress the economic value of those rights, hitting revenues and team competitiveness.

A plenary debate could lead to several outcomes, including referral to the competent minister for potential legislative or administrative measures, the opening of a parliamentary inquiry, or the tabling of bills or resolutions.

Beyond suspension, the club want any future change to be transparent and participatory, with voluntary club participation, respect for competition rules, economic sustainability, and professional clubs retaining control of any centralising body.

Source: Glorioso 1904

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