“Frederico Varandas breaks with FC Porto and denounces a ‘string of lies'”

Frederico Varandas, the president of Sporting, did not let the recent criticisms from FC Porto go unnoticed, delivering a forceful and confident response during a statement in Alcochete. His words resonate with an echo of indignation, challenging the narrative that the rival has been promoting and exposing what he considers a “string of lies.”

“I will focus on two points. One is very straightforward, it concerns another incident in the Sporting-Famalicão game. Interestingly, that incident, which is rare in Portuguese football, received unanimous decision from all commentators in the sports analysis. Everyone agrees that the decision was the correct one. The second point insinuates that Sporting has pawns in a Non-Permanent Arbitration Commission. I have already clarified this matter, but it is worth insisting on the lie. And I will explain again: these governing bodies of the federation were elected with the support of FC Porto. In May, before the season began, 19 commissions were created. What are they? Reflection groups. They do not report to the CA, they do not report to the CD, they have no deliberative power. The federation invited the 84 delegates, which include the professional clubs and the working commissions. Sporting registered. But isn’t it true that FC Porto also registered? There were arbitration commissions, competitions, youth football, players, coaches. Whoever writes this statement knows they are lying. The intent of this statement is not to inform. It is simply to divert attention,” said Varandas, standing firm in defense of his club.

Varandas did not stop there and also addressed the recent classic at the Estádio do Dragão. He expressed his dissatisfaction with the lack of responses regarding the incidents that occurred during the match. “Because they are not interested in talking about what needs to be talked about. Once again, I waited a few days to see if there would be any response, something that would explain what happened in FC Porto-Sporting. And I will overlook the fact that the delegation entered, passed by fans who, had it been the case, could have been gathered in the stands, and were not offending, insulting, or threatening the players, the president, the staff, and the coach. I am not talking about the air conditioning, the decoration of the dressing room. That is of little relevance to me,” he emphasized, highlighting his concern for the safety of his team.

Regarding the controversy over the “kisses” exchanged with FC Porto fans, Varandas was clear: “It was not provocative. I was taught from a young age that the best response to hate is love. That’s it. In relation to those three episodes, I will overlook them. It even motivates the opposing teams, demonstrating pettiness and a lack of noble character.” The president of Sporting emphasizes that dignity and respect are fundamental in confrontations, regardless of rivalry.

Varandas did not hesitate to criticize the way FC Porto’s communication has addressed recent events. “The statements, which are a string of lies, and have been since the FC Porto game, have one sole objective: to divert attention from what really matters. And what happened to Rui Silva’s towels? Three towels were needed. I’ve never seen anything like this. The goalkeeper’s towels were stolen twice during the match. And from the moment FC Porto scored, all the ball boys removed the cones and the balls. And this, gentlemen, is no longer seen in peripheral Europe. It is only seen in Africa,” he concluded, making it clear that these situations are not mere coincidences, but rather reflections of an environment that urgently needs to be reviewed.

Varandas, with an assertive stance, reaffirms his intention to protect the image and interests of Sporting, while challenging FC Porto to address issues transparently and responsibly. The climate of tension between the two clubs promises to heat up even further as the season progresses and rivalries intensify.