I Am a Black Immigrant Unfazed by Your Power

Pedro Pichardo accused the Tribunal Arbitral do Desporto (TAD) of bias and favoring Benfica in a legal dispute that began in March 2025, according to a series of social media posts published on Saturday. The triple jump champion is claiming 1.1 million euros from the club citing a lack of medical care and access to health insurance, while Benfica has countersued for 2 million euros over alleged contractual breaches, sporting damages, and reputational harm.

Pichardo Targets TAD and Arbitrator over Legal Bias

The triple jump gold medalist stated on Instagram that he initially believed in Portuguese law and corruption-free courts, but his perspective changed during the arbitration process. He maintains that nobody is above the law and the regulations and that the law exists to stop the powerful from abusing their power. Pichardo claimed that the tribunal is favoring the club simply because it is a large and influential entity in the country, noting that the tribunal ignored evidence and retreated from a previously suggested settlement to issue a decision based on allegations rather than documents.

The athlete specifically questioned the conduct of arbitrator João Nogueira da Rocha. Pichardo alleged that the arbitrator showed partiality from the beginning and repeatedly gave the opposing party second chances to correct its legal defense.

Dispute Over Medical Exams and Surgery Costs

The legal battle centers heavily on medical treatment and contractual obligations during Pichardo’s eight-year tenure with the club. The athlete stated that he received only two medical exams during his entire stay, conducted in 2017 and 2023, and spent his final years at the club without sports health insurance. He noted that he never received any direct notification regarding the medical exams the club claimed he missed, and that all documents from the Lince Platform were submitted to the TAD.

Pichardo pointed to a severe back injury sustained in 2023 that required him to pay for his own surgery out of pocket because the club insurance was inactive, a fact he claims was demonstrated in the tribunal. In response to Benfica’s disciplinary proceedings launched in 2025—which alleged he only played for the club until 2023 and accused him of faking injuries—Pichardo argued that the tribunal accepted false accusations and ruled that no just cause existed simply because he rescinded his contract before the disciplinary process concluded.

Threat of Appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport

Expressing deep frustration with the Portuguese sports arbitration system, Pichardo declared that he will not remain silent despite previous legal advice to keep the matter private while the case was pending. Hoje, como cidadão português, respeito a vossa lei, mas não ficarei de braços cruzados e se for necessário viajar e dormir nas portas do Tribunal do Desporto Internacional em Lausanne, irei fazê-lo, Pichardo stated, adding that he is an immigrant who does not fear institutional power. He further stated, I am a black immigrant who is not afraid of your power, nor afraid to die defending the truth.

Pedro Pichardo and Benfica Exchange Million Euro Legal Claims

• When did Pedro Pichardo file his legal action against Benfica?
  Pichardo filed the case at the Tribunal Arbitral do Desporto in March 2025, claiming 1.1 million euros in damages.
• How much compensation is Benfica demanding from the athlete?
  Benfica is seeking 2 million euros from the triple jump champion, citing breach of contractual obligations, sporting damages, and reputational harm.
• What specific medical grievance did Pichardo raise in his statement?
  Pichardo stated he had to pay for his own back surgery following a 2023 injury because the club’s sports health insurance was not active during his final years at the organization.