It was not yet 7:30 am when Rui Costa addressed the partners at the inauguration ceremony. He thanked the “trust” and promised to continue “working for “more victories, more titles and more Benfica”.
After congratulating the partners on the “remarkable democratic vitality and for this extraordinary membership”addressed the opponent’s team in this second round of the elections.
“I leave a word of respect and appreciation for the João Noronha Lopes team, for the work and dedication shown during this long period. Despite our different perspectives, everyone’s ideas, projects and ambitions enriched the discussion about Benfica’s future and brought enormous vitality to these elections. As I have highlighted throughout this campaign, at the end of the day we are all Benfica”, said Rui Costa.
The re-elected president of the Reds club ended his speech by pointing to the future. “Now, it is time to materialize our ideas and our projects, with renewed demands to meet the challenges of the present and overcome the future.”
As for the other corporate bodies, the list led by José Pereira da Costa won the elections for the Board of the General Assemblywith 1,235,088 votes, against 656,801 for the list led by Gonçalo de Almeida Ribeiro (656,801), while for the The list headed by Raul Fernando Martins (1,090,147) was elected by the Fiscal Council, who defeated the squad led by António Bagão Félix (824,476).
To the Remuneration Committee Benfica’s partners chose the list headed by Eduardo Stock da Cunha, with 1,229,428 votes, against 658,826 for the one led by João Moreira Rato.
After an intense morning for Benfica fans, the inauguration ceremony of the governing bodies ended shortly before eight in the morning.
Noronha Lopes “disillusioned”
When 31 of the 108 polling stations were counted, almost at three in the morning, João Noronha Lopes assumed defeat. Rui Costa at that time had 67.7% of the votes, against 32.3% for the candidate on list F.
“The result of the vote is clear. I want to congratulate Rui Costa and all the elected social bodies. It was a significant victory, he has all the conditions to fulfill his mandate. I hope that I can unite the Benfica fans, and I will do everything for that. I am disappointed and accept defeat. I was unable to convince Benfica fans of the need for change”, said Noronha Lopes.