President of Liga Portugal Delivered a Direct Speech on the TFS Stage

Pedro Proença, President of Liga Portugal, closed the third edition of the Thinking Football Summit this Saturday, with a full TFS Stage and a crowd filled with prominent figures from Portuguese football, including Presidents of various Sporting Societies and District and Regional Football Associations.

The head of Professional Football in Portugal emphasized the enormous success of the event. "The Thinking Football Summit is a victory for Portuguese football," he began by saying, ensuring that the goal has been achieved: "It’s a concept of engagement with the fans, where we can also bring together brands and make this TFS something unique on a global scale. This isn’t just said by us but by the major international organizations. Our legacy is set in terms of strategic thinking and how we define and envision it."

Pedro Proença then highlighted the new era of Portuguese Football, with a new generation of leaders. "I’ve been President of Liga Portugal for nine years, and I know well the difficulties I’ve faced. Today, I truly feel that we’ve turned the page. We are truly starting a new cycle, a new mentality," expressing that he is "extremely honored to be part" of this new period.

The President of Liga Portugal also discussed the work done over his nine years of leadership. "It was clear to me that the first phase had to focus on economic and financial recovery, without forgetting the positioning of Professional Football as the major driving force for what would be our financial recovery. Then came the consolidation of a model, followed by the growth phase, which is where we are today," he explained.

The return of fans to the stadiums, bolstered by the “You Are Football!” campaign for the 2023/24 season, was a victory for Liga Portugal. "We ended last year with the biggest campaign Liga Portugal has ever done, ‘You Are Football!’, which had absolutely extraordinary numbers. More than a 10% increase in attendance, a reduction in violent incidents; this was achieved because we had a welcoming strategy. The relationship with brands, such as the massive campaign we did with Continente, also played a role. The result was a 10% increase in spectators at the stadiums, which was a win for Liga Portugal."

The inaugural edition of Liga Portugal Experience, which will serve as the foundation for a project focused on children at the Liga Portugal Arena, to be opened soon, was also discussed in this conversation with Pedro Pinto. "We managed to create a set of new experiences for what is the new football consumer. We need to understand this. That’s why we are launching a unique KidZania-like concept in the football world. I take this opportunity to announce that in December, a child will be able to come to the Liga Portugal Arena and experience what it’s like to be a coach, player, referee, or manager. So, from now on, the invitation is open for anyone who wants to witness this experience," he revealed.

Pedro Proença was also asked about his future. "Very soon, myself, the clubs, and the people who are with me will announce what we will do in the near future. One thing I know for sure: I will be wherever football wants me to be and wherever I feel happy. The future is near, and at the right time, we will all be together. Football only makes sense if we are all together. And the football community must unite to ensure the future is better and includes all those who want to contribute to a better football," he said.

Finally, the President of Liga Portugal left a message of hope: "What sticks with me from these almost 35 years in football is that we can do things for the good, believing that it is possible to get there without going to the dark side. And if we believe, tomorrow will always be better than today or yesterday. At the end of the day, good will prevail."