João Gabriel accuses FPF leaders, says Luciano Gonçalves bought his position | OneFootball

According to Glorioso 1904, former Benfica communications chief João Gabriel has attacked FPF president Pedro Proença after Duarte Gomes resigned as national refereeing technical director, alleging Proença lacks a plan for Portuguese football and claiming Luciano Gonçalves bought his position.

Writing on LinkedIn, he said Proença has prioritised personal ambition over the game’s development and never had, does not have and will not have a project for the sport.

He said Proença spent his final two years at Liga Portugal campaigning with club funds, leaving finances damaged, then pursued costly rebranding at the federation to replace Fernando Gomes era initiatives.

Gabriel alleged Gonçalves became head of the Conselho de Arbitragem by trading APAF support for Proença’s candidacy, adding that loyalty, not merit, underpins today’s FPF. He said Nuno Lobo’s proposed council was more competent and independent but lost out to commitments involving trips and posts.

He said serious failings compromised competition integrity and responsibility should not rest solely on Gonçalves, since all decisions pass through Proença. If Gonçalves speaks the leadership could fall, though Gabriel expects him to defend himself and protect superiors.

He also criticised Rui Costa, cited a four-day trip to Houston by association presidents, and warned against a bust, apparently already in production, honouring Proença at Cidade do Futebol, concluding that the president risks fulfilling his motto of doing what has not been done for the wrong reasons.

Source: Glorioso 1904