Rui Costa criticises Portuguese football, vows Benfica will fight on and demands equal terms | OneFootball

According to Glorioso 1904, Rui Costa used his opening address at the 2026 Galardões Cosme Damião to condemn recent events in Portuguese football, assert Benfica will push on, and call for a level playing field.

Reviewing the past year, the Benfica president said there were achievements to be proud of, while stressing self-criticism. He admitted the club are not where they want to be and will not shirk responsibility until they are first.

He said what has been happening in the domestic game is unacceptable. He insisted Benfica cannot forget the way a Taça de Portugal was taken from them, and pointed to the last round in Arouca as a glaring example among many across other grounds.

Costa also rejected the punishment handed to José Mourinho, saying it related to events that, in his view, did not occur. He demanded rigour, respect for Benfica and fair competition.

He vowed the team will fight for their objectives until the last breath. However, he said it is imperative they are allowed to compete with the same weapons as their rivals.

Source: Glorioso 1904