Duarte Gomes resigns as FPF national refereeing technical director | OneFootball

Duarte Gomes announced his resignation as national technical director of refereeing at the Portuguese Football Federation, bringing his tenure to an end with a message addressed to referees. In the text, he chose a tone of gratitude, appreciation for the recipients both as people and professionals, and a stated conviction in the future of Portuguese refereeing. In his farewell, he left a note of recognition and assured: “To all of you, I offer my sincere thanks for your collaboration, friendship and trust.”

At a moment of transition within the refereeing structure, Duarte Gomes chose to speak directly inward, in a message sent to referees that combines institutional formality with a personal tone. The full name of the now former FPF national technical director of refereeing is tied to a central idea that runs through the entire farewell: leaving without noise, while underlining the privilege of having worked with the group and his esteem for the path they shared.

In announcing his departure, the wording was clear and straightforward, with Duarte Gomes communicating the decision in the first person and immediately setting the emotional tone of the message.

“I am writing to inform you that I have made the decision to step down from my duties as National Technical Director of Refereeing at the Portuguese Football Federation,” he said. “I do so with a profound sense of gratitude for the privilege of having worked with you, even if only for a short period.”

In these words, there is an evident attempt to close this chapter with sobriety and recognition. More than explaining his departure, Duarte Gomes focused on how he wanted it to be read: as a gesture of thanks.

As he expanded on the message, the former official turned to the human and professional dimension of the referees, linking them to a demanding and essential mission for the credibility of the game.

“Throughout this journey, in each and every one of you I found a good person and an outstanding professional, committed to a mission that is so demanding and exposed, yet fundamental to the credibility of football and of our refereeing,” he said. “I take with me the honour of having shared challenges, lessons and moments of growth with you, as well as the conviction that, through each one of you, Portuguese refereeing has all the conditions needed to continue evolving towards the greatness it deserves.”

The praise does not appear merely as a conventional formula: it also serves to leave behind an idea of continuity. Even as he departs, Duarte Gomes is keen to project confidence in the work of those who remain, closing the door without shutting it.

In the final stretch of the farewell, the tone became even more personal, in a register of direct thanks and wishes for the future.

“To all of you, I offer my sincere thanks for your collaboration, friendship and trust. I wish you the greatest personal, family and professional happiness.”

It is a closing in keeping with everything that had been said before: no further explanations, no move onto other ground, only the choice to end with cordiality and recognition. The resignation was announced in this way, in a restrained voice, but with a clear message about the bond he wished to preserve.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.