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The Portuguese Parliament has approved a petition presented by Benfica calling for the suspension and complete revision of the professional football TV rights centralization model, according to the club and public broadcaster RTP. Led by club president Rui Costa as the primary signatory, the initiative seeks to halt the current rollout until an independent technical, economic, and legal evaluation takes place.
Parliamentary Petition Process and Public Access
Submitted under the constitutional right of petition, the document is titled “Pela suspensão e revisão do Modelo de Comercialização Centralizada dos Direitos Audiovisuais.” According to Benfica’s official announcement, the text is available on the Assembly of the Republic’s electronic platform for public subscription during a 60-day window. However, technical difficulties on the parliament website initially hindered public access when media outlets attempted to view the platform.
The club emphasizes that any member, supporter, or general citizen can sign the petition. In a released statement, Benfica noted that a high volume of signatures will strengthen the petition’s reach and foster a broader discussion among political parties represented in parliament regarding the legislation currently in force.
Core Demands and Market Concerns
The initiative pushes for the immediate suspension of the current centralization framework until a thorough, independent review assesses its economic, technical, and legal impacts. RTP reports that the club’s arguments stem from significant shifts in the audiovisual market, driven by changing consumer habits and new technologies. Benfica warns that pressing forward without structural reforms risks diminishing the economic and patrimonial value of Portuguese football.
Did you know? Under the Portuguese constitutional right of petition, any citizen or legal entity can submit petitions to the Assembly of the Republic. If a petition gathers enough signatures, it triggers mandatory consideration or debate among parliamentary committees.
Furthermore, the petition asserts that any future model must protect club revenues, maintain competitive balance, and secure financial sustainability. According to RTP’s coverage of the club’s stance, the initiative insists that the capital stock of the centralizing entity must remain strictly under the ownership and control of professional clubs through a voluntary adherence process.
Industry Comparisons and Structural Reforms
While European leagues have gradually moved toward collective broadcasting agreements to close revenue gaps, Benfica’s petition highlights friction over execution. The club advocates for a transparent process rooted in fair competition and robust technical foundations, contrasting with anxieties over rushing a framework that could destabilize sports assets.
Pro Tip: Followers of Portuguese football governance can monitor the progress of legislative petitions directly through the official Assembly of the Republic portal once technical viewing issues are resolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can sign the Benfica TV rights petition?
According to Benfica, any club member, football supporter, or general citizen can subscribe to the petition via the electronic platform of the Assembly of the Republic.
What is the main goal of the petition?
The initiative requests the suspension of the current professional football TV rights centralization model until an independent technical, economic, and legal evaluation is conducted, accompanied by a revision of the framework.
How long will the petition remain open for signatures?
The document is hosted on the parliament’s electronic platform for a duration of 60 days following its validation and launch.
Who initiated the parliamentary filing?
Benfica club president Rui Costa acted as the primary signatory when presenting the petition on Friday under the constitutional right of petition.
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