João Diogo Manteigas says he warned Rui Costa over Duarte Gomes case, claims he was ignored | OneFootball

The row over Portuguese refereeing has intensified after new revelations surrounding Duarte Gomes’s exit from the FPF, with the case now also under analysis by the Ministério Público. According to Glorioso 1904, João Diogo Manteigas says Benfica’s leadership was warned in advance and points responsibility towards Rui Costa.

Manteigas highlighted the usefulness of Benfica’s annual General Assembly, writing on LinkedIn that the board had been notified by members, including himself. He said the SAD’s general director should devote full focus to refereeing this season after another episode that, in his view, tarnished the sector.

At the Assembly, he criticised how the situation was handled and the involvement of prominent figures in Portuguese football. He urged clarity around federation roles, saying Mário Branco needed help to define his remit, and pressed the club to ask Pedro Proença, whom it backed against most members’ wishes, citing Hélder Malheiro, Pedro Garcia and Luciano Gonçalves as pointers.

Four days later he returned to the subject, centring his remarks on Rui Costa. He said the president had repeatedly been cautioned at multiple General Assemblies not to support or vote for what is now the FPF leadership.

Manteigas argued the club’s direction has run against the stance of its members, contending that Rui Costa acted against them, voted alone for Pedro Proença’s project and became complicit. He added there is still time to heed the membership and protect the institution.

Source: Glorioso 1904