Madeira Football Association Cancels Autonomy Tournament Contract

The Região Autónoma da Madeira, through its Secretariat of Education, Science and Technology, and the Associação de Futebol da Madeira (AFM) signed a Contract‑Program (Resolution No. 462/2026) to fund the 2026 Torneio da Autonomia. The agreement was terminated by mutual consent because key clubs could not participate.

Unión Deportiva Las Palmas withdrew, citing its pre‑season schedule, and Clube Desportivo Santa Clara announced it would not take part due to institutional and competitive concerns arising from an upcoming Liga Portugal match against Clube Desportivo Nacional. AFM informed the regional government that these developments made the event impossible under the approved terms. The contract was therefore rendered null, with AFM leader Rui Coelho confirming the decision.

The cancellation affects the planned ‘Troféu Autonomia’ that was to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Madeira’s autonomy and would have brought together clubs from Portuguese autonomous regions and other European territories.