FC Porto and Benfica call for the end of the League Cup | OneFootball

FC Porto and Benfica expressed support for ending the League Cup, following a debate at the Presidents’ Summit, in which Liga Portugal proposed that all professional clubs participate in the competition (unlike what happens currently). This intention was also demonstrated by Nacional and P. Ferreira, at least.

In this new suggestion, clubs participating in European competitions would play the same number of games, with the idea being to have several stages from the start of the season, even during FIFA Dates, for the remaining clubs in the professional competitions. A preliminary tournament, similar to the Champions League, in which each club plays 2 to 6 games and a final ranking is made to determine the top four, who would then join the top four from the previous edition of the League.

Despite this new format being put on the table, the truth is, as Portal dos Dragões has learned, the continuation of the League Cup is in question, since those who spoke out against it believe it does not provide financial returns and poses a problem for the calendars. In this sense, there is no consensus regarding the proposed model, and it will need to be analyzed further in the coming times. Reinaldo Teixeira said he is convinced that the competition is worth more, that it can generate and distribute more revenue. Although the 2026/27 edition is already under contract, the intention is to reformulate and continue the competition.

Additionally, Liga Portugal also proposed a promotion playoff to the 1st League with more clubs, up to 5th place, something that would add motivation to the competitions. The idea is that the 1st and 2nd of the 2nd League would be promoted directly, and then there would be a playoff with the 3rd, 4th, and 5th, who would be joined by the 16th-placed team from the top division.

Finally, the League’s Board also presented several disruptive competitive models. In light of this, the general opinion of the clubs is that at this stage, and with the changes related to television rights, it is not the right time to make a profound change to the competitive frameworks.

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