Duarte Gomes steps down as FPF refereeing technical director | OneFootball

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

At a moment of transition in the refereeing structure, Duarte Gomes chose to speak directly inward, in a message sent to the 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 running through the entire farewell: to leave without noise, underlining the privilege of having worked with the group and his regard 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 decided to step down from my role as National Technical Director of Refereeing at the Portuguese Football Federation,” he said. “I do so with a deep sense of gratitude for the privilege of having worked with you, even if only for a short period.”

In these words, there is a clear 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 developed the message, the former official turned to the human and professional dimension of the referees, associating them with a demanding mission that is essential to the credibility of the game.

“Throughout this journey, I found in each of you an upright person and an outstanding professional, committed to such a demanding and exposed mission, yet one that is fundamental to the credibility of football and 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 and every one of you, Portuguese refereeing has all the conditions it needs to continue evolving towards the greatness it deserves.”

The praise does not appear merely as a formulaic courtesy: it also serves to convey an idea of continuity. Even as he leaves, Duarte Gomes makes a point of expressing 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 gratitude and wishes for the future.

“To everyone, 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: without further explanations, without moving onto other ground, simply the choice to end with cordiality and recognition. The resignation was announced in this way, in a measured 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.