After the defeat against SP Braga, Vitor Murta announced his resignation as president of Boavista. The decision comes after the manager was challenged by fans when the volatile side were thrashed by Braga.
“The fans made comments and chants about the SAD president do Boavista. Football is made of emotions. I've been club president for six years and SAD club president for about three years, but everything has a beginning and an end. As I said, it is the partners who put me in this position and give me the pleasure of being President of Boavista and, of course, of SAD. Sometimes fans have a short memory, which is normal. It's football. They had forgotten that when I arrived, the club had not paid holiday or birthday bonuses, that it did not have a decent pitch to train on and that it was facing enormous difficulties. “Today we are not fine, but we are better and we have a future.” He began his speech in the press room in Besa.
“We have a project for the future Boavista Academy in Vila Nova de Gaia. But as I said, everything has a beginning and an end. I feel like I've done something positive. About 15 days ago, we finalized another debt that Boavista had: 1.5 million euros for Jaime Pacheco and other players from that time. We paid off 20 years of debt. And like this, we've already paid dozens. (…) I believe 101% that we will stay in the league because I believe in these players. But, therefore, I want to say that I have already informed the majority of shareholders and will inform the Chairman of the General Board of SAD that I am terminating my duties as Chairman of SAD. I will only enter management even though I have been invited by the shareholder for another term. He added: “I realize that it is important to focus on the players and have the support of the fans.”
Vitor Murta also stressed that this decision should have been made sooner, and expressed his regret that he was “mistreated in his home.”
“I am a destabilizing factor because people spend more time addressing me in inappropriate terms than supporting the team. Because Boavista is in first place… I have been a member for about 40 years, my family is from Boavista and no one likes to come to the stadium to be abused by “His family, I have made this decision. I will only take the actions of the current administration. (…) I wish my successor the best of luck.”
The manager also left open the possibility of not running again for the presidency of the club, whose term expires at the end of the year.
“My term ends at the end of the year. I will have to meet with my management to find out what will be done. The club and SAD must go hand in hand. It is important that there is harmony. So I will think. I haven't made any decision about the club yet. Many people think that Boavista is just football, but it is more than that. Every month we have to find solutions for the present, but also for the past. Every month our costs exceed one million euros. I leave with the players' salaries so far. I have already received the month of January and whoever succeeds me will find solutions to pay for February. The employees have already received their December salaries and before I leave, they will receive their January salaries. I'm leaving with my pay so I won't be cited for anything. (…) I hope from the bottom of my heart that everyone who was on the bench today and insulting the president of his club is right and that whoever succeeds me will be able to solve Boavista’s problems better.”
Boavista lost 0-4 to SP Braga and ranks 12th in the league table with 24 points, two points behind Portimonense, which occupies a play-off position. Coach Ricardo Paiva did not speak to reporters after the match.
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