The investigations, according to Portuguese media, cover a four-year period between 2016 and 2020 and were initiated after prosecutors discovered emails that had been stolen. The investigation covers all former Benfica, AC Milan, and Portugal player Rui Costa as well as all other directors and board members who held those positions and later ones. Despite being named the organization’s vice president in 2020, Costa took over as president of the company when Luis Filipe Vieira resigned.
Despite holding the post for a considerable amount of time, Vieira was detained on suspicion of aggravated fraud, forgery, tax evasion, and money laundering.
According to the Daily Mail, this investigation suggests that Benfica profited from a number of false outcomes during that time period and has testified in court.
In a brief statement, Benfica acknowledged the inquiry and stated that it was still underway, but no other information was given.
Sport Lisboa e Benfica—Futebol SAD confirmed that it appeared in court on January 3 together with, among others, the Board of Directors members from 2016 to 2020 and who are now in office, according to the statement.
Benfica SAD will not make any additional comments because the trial is being held in secret. As has always been the case up until now, Benfica declares its complete willingness to cooperate with the relevant authorities.
Benfica refuted allegations that they bribed a former Portuguese referee €1.9 million for favorable verdicts at the beginning of last year.
A third-party business established up by Benfica called “Best for Business” is said to have given the money to Bruno Paixao.
According to a statement, “the club has never been faced with charges of this sort, especially in connection with the name Bruno Paixo.”
