His decision comes at a crucial time for Portuguese football, and his extensive experience in leadership, and strategic management, and his unwavering passion for the sport make him an outstanding candidate. His career is marked by dedication, professionalism, and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the football industry.

With over 50 years of involvement in football, Reinaldo Teixeira has built an impressive track record that spans various roles in the sport. His journey began at Associação Cultural de Salir, the club from his hometown, where he played and served as a club director, developing an early passion for football that would define much of his career. His deep engagement with the sport continued at the highest professional level, spending 29 years in Liga Portugal—20 years as a match delegate and nine years as coordinator of delegates and evaluators. This extensive experience within the league gives him a unique understanding of its internal operations, regulations, and the needs of clubs and players alike.

His contributions to football administration are equally significant. He has dedicated 21 years to the Algarve Football Association, first serving as President of the General Assembly for 15 years before assuming the presidency of the AFA’s board of directors for six years. Since taking on the presidency in 2015, he has worked tirelessly to promote the development of football, improve sports infrastructure, and enhance the visibility of emerging talent. His leadership has contributed to the modernization of the association, the strengthening of relationships between clubs, federations, and sponsors, and the creation of initiatives that use football as a tool for social inclusion. His ability to navigate the complex landscape of sports management, combined with his strategic mindset, positions him as a capable and forward-thinking leader.

Reinaldo Teixeira’s candidacy is fueled by the strong support of clubs and organizations across the First and Second Leagues. His peers recognize his ability to negotiate, innovate, and drive necessary reforms, all of which are critical in ensuring the long-term success of the league. His vision for the LPFP includes improving the financial sustainability of clubs, ensuring a more equitable distribution of television and commercial rights, and increasing the league’s overall competitiveness. His extensive business acumen, gained through years of success in the real estate and tourism industries, further supports his ability to implement efficient financial models that can benefit all stakeholders in Portuguese football.

His strategic plan for the LPFP is ambitious yet practical, focusing on strengthening the economic foundation of the league while modernizing its infrastructure. His proposals include financial restructuring to provide greater support for smaller clubs, investments in stadiums and training centers, and reinforcing youth development programs to nurture future talent. Additionally, he aims to negotiate more favorable broadcasting rights agreements, ensuring greater financial returns for the league and its teams. Another key component of his vision is the international expansion of Liga Portugal’s brand, attracting foreign investment and sponsorships to elevate the profile of Portuguese football on a global scale.

Beyond his contributions to football, Reinaldo Teixeira is an active and influential figure in various professional and social initiatives. As vice president of the Algarve Hotels and Tourist Enterprises Association (AHETA) and the Algarve Business Association (NERA), he has played a crucial role in fostering economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development. His commitment to social responsibility is reflected in his support for charitable projects, particularly those that leverage football to drive positive change, such as "Liga-nos o Talento," which provides opportunities for young athletes and improves conditions for local clubs. His leadership extends beyond the realm of sports, demonstrating his ability to bring people together and drive meaningful progress.

Reinaldo Teixeira’s candidacy represents a pivotal moment for Portuguese football. His leadership qualities, business expertise, and unwavering commitment to the sport make him the ideal candidate to guide the LPFP into a new era of transparency, financial stability, and international recognition. His passion for football is evident in every aspect of his career, and his ability to implement strategic reforms with a clear vision will undoubtedly benefit clubs, players, and fans alike. If elected, he has the potential to revolutionize the league, ensuring that Portuguese football continues to thrive both domestically and on the global stage.

Author

Paulo Lopes is a multi-talent Portuguese citizen who made his Master of Economics in Switzerland and studied law at Lusófona in Lisbon - CEO of Casaiberia in Lisbon and Algarve.

Paulo Lopes