Portuguese football enters new season amid institutional shifts

The start of the 2026/27 Portuguese football season is marked by significant developments across various leagues and institutional challenges.

In the Primeira Liga, FC Porto manager Francesco Farioli has emphasized a forward-looking mindset as the club defends its title, while noting the physical absence of Pietuszewski due to a thigh injury. Meanwhile, Benfica has taken a major institutional step, with president Rui Costa submitting a petition to the Assembly of the Republic requesting the suspension and review of the current centralized model for selling audiovisual rights.

In the lower divisions, Sporting B secured a victory against AVS in the II Liga, and Académica achieved a notable 4-1 win over Chaves. In Liga 3, SC Vianense SAD is beginning its campaign with an away match against AD Fafe. Additionally, Aves SAD is nearing a contract renewal with defender Carlos Ponck.