The objective, according to the complaint, would be to inject money into the sadino club, which was experiencing financial difficulties. The Public Ministry accuses Luís Filipe Vieira and Paulo Gonçalves (former legal advisor) of having diverted millions of euros from Benfica, through fictitious deals in the transfer of Brazilian players.
The prosecution alleges that the Benfica paid 4.2 million euros in commissions for two free players worth 725 thousand euros. At issue are crimes of corruption with economic participation in business and tax fraud, within the scope of the process known as the e-mail case.
The pronouncement can be read that, if there is a conviction, Benfica and Vitória de Setúbal must be suspended from “participation in sporting competition for a period of six months to three years”.
As for Luís Filipe Vieira and Paulo Gonçalves, the MP asks for “prohibition of exercising a profession, function or activity, public or private, for a period of one to five years”.
Rui Costa was cleared, but the incarnated SAD was accused by the Public Ministry of sports corruption crimesimproper offer of advantage and qualified tax fraud. Domingos Soares, former Benfica administrator, also went from being a defendant to being a witness for the prosecution.
This is because There is no evidence that Rui Costa and Domingos Soares Oliveira participated in the alleged schemewhose mentor would have been the former Benfica president, Luís Filipe Vieira.
A Judicial Police also investigatedin the same period of time (between 2016 and 2019), the performance of the Vitória de Setúbal football team in games against Benfica. The investigation concluded that the Rio club benefited from poor performance on the field, allegedly intentional, by some players from the sadino club.
Sport Lisboa e Benfica has already reacted in a statement stressing that it will defend itself against “unfounded accusations”. “There is no doubt that Sport Lisboa e Benfica will defend itself, without hesitation, against all unfounded accusations (and from what has already been possible to analyze, these are unfounded)”.
In the same note, the red club states that its lawyers “will analyze the accusation in detail”.
Benfica’s Scandal: A Comedy of Errors or Just Plain Theft?
Ah, Benfica! The pride of Portugal, with a fanbase as fiery as their favourite port wine. But it seems they’ve traded their jerseys for jumpsuits—or at least, that’s the implication from the latest revelations. This isn’t your typical football transfer saga; oh no, it’s much juicier—a shimmering cocktail of corruption, fiscal fumbles, and the ol’ bait and switch, but not the delightful kind you’d see on a stage!
Money, Money, Everywhere: Or is it Diverted?
According to the Public Ministry, the objective behind all this financial mischief was as clear as mud. They allege that Luís Filipe Vieira and former legal advisor Paulo Gonçalves orchestrated a ballet of dollars by diverting millions from Benfica, all while padding their pockets through extravagant fees on transfers of free players. You heard right; we’re talking €4.2 million in commissions for two players worth a measly €725,000. Someone tell these guys that’s not how you play Monopoly!
Corruption and Tax Fraud: A Match Made in Heaven?
The prosecution serves up my favourite dish: a platter of corruption charges served with a side of tax fraud. As part of the infamous “e-mail case,” they could face severe penalties, with Benfica potentially suspended from sporting competitions for six months to three years. And if you think that might just affect their chances in the league, let’s just say it’s like me attempting to run a marathon after three pieces of cake—good luck with that!
Cleared but Not Quite Home Free
Now, it isn’t all doom and gloom for Benfica. Rui Costa has been cleared—as if he’s passed through the eye of a judicial needle—but just when you think he’s on solid ground, former administrator Domingos Soares flipped from being a defendant to being a witness for the prosecution. Talk about a plot twist rivaling your average soap opera!
Intentions on the Field: A Comedy of Errors
Not to be outdone, the Judicial Police also dug into Vitória de Setúbal’s game performances during the same period. You won’t believe it, but it appears some players might have misinterpreted “playing for pride” as “taking an extended coffee break.” In all seriousness, they suspect that the team’s poor performance against Benfica could have been intentional. Can we really blame them? After all, it’s hard to focus on the game when the cash registers are singing a different tune!
Benfica’s Staunch Denial
Benfica has countered these allegations with a bold statement, emphasizing that they will defend themselves against what they label as “unfounded accusations.” It’s like a child caught with their hand in the cookie jar, exclaiming, “But mum, the cookie jar is lying!” The club is determined to meticulously analyze the accusations, which sounds a bit like a group of magicians plotting a comeback after being caught at a clever trick.
Conclusion: The Show Must Go On?
In the world of football, the drama never seems to end. As Benfica grapples with these allegations, one can only wonder if they’ll come out of this smelling like roses or if it’ll be a long sulk out of the stadium. Either way, keep your popcorn at the ready! The next act in this saga is bound to be as entertaining as it is scandalous. Remember, in football as in life, it’s all about the beautiful game—even if the backstage antics are a little less than savory!
So here’s hoping Benfica can kick this scandal to the curb and keep their heads in the game—or at least keep them out of jail!
