Alvalade electing governing bodies

Sporting CP's members go to the polls this Saturday, electing the club's governing bodies for the next four years.

Voting officially got underway at 09h00, with Luís Francisco the first to cast his ballot after arriving at 07h00.

Presidential candidate Pedro Madeira Rodrigues arrived at 10h30 and he took a moment to share his thoughts: "I think I made the right vote (laughs). I am really happy to see so many people turn out, to help us move past some of the sad moments we have shown to the country in recent years."

At the same time an autography session got underway in the Club Store with João Pinto and Ângelo Girão (roller hockey); João Paulo Pinto and Igor Zabic (handball); and Taciana Lima (judo). Leo and Djô also joined the session just before midday.

At midday General Assembly president Jaime Marta Soares issued his first update: "So far 3,300 people have noted, plus the 4,600 who voted by post."

At 12h37 club member number 1, Salvador Marques, cast his vote.

At 13h32 president Bruno de Carvalho and the head of List B was at the ballot box too.

Presidential candidate becomes second official bid

Pedro Madeira Rodrigues formalised his presidential bid in a ceremony, although the candidate himself was away in England and could not attend. Madeira Rodrigues' entire list took part, in a ceremony hosted by General Assembly president, Jaime Marta Soares. The delivery of the candidacy was made by campaign representative Pedro Ribeiro Ferreira.

"I am a cartoonist and I honestly don't know why Pedro Madeira Rodrigues picked me to represent his bid, but I accepted the mission, because I am the grandson of a president who won seven titles. Every Sporting fan wants to do that again. Maybe I am a sort of talisman and I am here in name only", said Ribeiro Ferreira, adding: "I would like to see all Sporting CP fans stand together. We have a lot of adversaries in the world and we need to avoid shooting ourselves in the foot."

Pedro Ribeiro Ferreira went on to praise the current Alvalade president, Bruno de Carvalho, while affirming that Pedro Madeira Rodrigues is the better choice: "I am in favour of Bruno de Carvalho. I think he has done a great job and he has been a good president, but I don't know anybody more determined than Pedro Madeira Rodrigues. He is an even better choice and he can take us further. Last year we were really close to winning the league and maybe we wouldn't be here if we had won. but is it good that the fans have an alternative."

Pedro Madeira Rodrigues sets out his idea for the senior team coaching role

As part of his electoral programme presentation this week, Pedro Madeira Rodrigues announced that he plans to break ties with Jorge Jesus should he win the race for the Alvalade hotseat. The decision was taken following Jorge Jesus' inclusion in Bruno de Carvalho's Honour Commission.

"Bruno de Carvalho should not have invited him and Jesus should not have accepted it. However, that is what appears to have happened. Jesus should be focused on the team and not on the elections. The team has to be isolated from the electoral process, which is what I have been trying to get across. He chose his side and that has consequences. The immediate consequence is that Jorge Jesus will not be my coach when I enter office on the 4th of March", affirmed Madeira Marques, adding: "Jorge Jesus is a man of character and he will stand by his word. I have no doubt about that whatsoever."

To finish, the presidential candidate set out his idea for a replacement: "I will look for a coach who fits into a profile we have already identified and who can serve Sporting CP, to get the club winning again."

Presidential candidate also sets out list for Alvalade board

The Sporting CP presidential candidate Pedro Madeira Rodrigues was in the auditorium at Estádio José Alvalade this Thursday to announce his electoral programme and the list of names who make up his team for the March the 4th elections.

"I am presenting a winning programme, which comes out of a thorough knowledge of the club where I grew up and became a man. I would also like to give a word of encouragement to our team. The current board wants to turn the players into scapegoats, but we as Sporting CP fans carry on believing in them. There is still a lot of football to play", said Madeira Rodrigues at the presentation.

The full electoral programme can be found here (Portuguese)

Pedro Madeira Rodrigues list:

President - Pedro Madeira Rodrigues
President of the General Assembly - Rui Morgado
President of the Fiscal and Disciplinary Council - Filipe Marques
List Head for Lions Council - José Moniz Pereira

Vice-President for Sports - Mário Saldanha
Vice-President for Finance - Pedro Rebelo Pinto
Vice-President for Institutional Relations - Victor Ferreira
Vice-President for Supporters' Clubs, Delgations and Affiliates - Rogério de Brito
Board Member for Club Members/Human Resources - Susana Cabral
Board Member for Organised Fan Groups - Bernardo Mendes
Board Member for Social Responsibility - Luís Figueiredo
Board Member for Marketing and Communication - João Alvim
Board Member for Club Estate - José Pedro Rodrigues
Board Member for Legal Affairs - Domingos Cruz

Carlos Severino hosts announces his support during dinner in Lisbon

Sporting CP's former director of communication and former presidential candidate, Carlos Severino, organised a dinner in Lisbon this week to announce his support for Pedro Madeira Rodrigues' bid for office.

Pedro Madeira Rodrigues arrived during Carlos Severino's dinner speech, in which the former candidate noted: "We were in a position to present our candidacy, but in the best interests of the club I am with Pedro Madeira Rodrigues for his courage in running. Three candidates would only benefit those who are in power right now. He (Madeira Rodrigues) said a lot of things I identify with me and I will support his bid."

President Bruno de Carvalho fires the starting gun for the March 2017 presidential race

President Bruno de Carvalho called a press conference this Wednesday, in which he guaranteed that any presidential candidates will have time with the club's communication channels, before highlighting the importance of showing respect for all supporters: "The Sporting Journal and Sporting TV wil give coverage to any candidate. That is what is needed. Anybody that loves this club and has a project to present deserves to be here and can present here. As president, I am speaking now because the electoral campaigns have begun. I welcome Pedro Madeira Rodrigues (1st official candidate) and promise that this process will be done in a transparent and open way. This club honours democracy and I ask everyone to stand out from the current state of national sport."

Former Portuguese Chamber of Commerce and Industry general secretary officially announces candidacy

Pedro Madeira Rodrigues is the first official candidate for the March 2017 presidential elections.

Noting the reasons for his candidacy, Madeira Rodrigues said: "It is through a drive to discuss the future of the club and an idea that was put forward by people who contacted me, wanting an alterative to the current management of the club." The candidate went on to sent a message to who he sees as his president: "I am hoping for respect, because we are both Sporting fans. Bruno de Carvalho was really important for breaking away from the dynasty that was eating away at us from the inside. This is an open candidacy to everyone. I guarantee rigor in all signings and in financial stability going forward into the future."

Asked is Jorge Jesus would be his coach of choice, Madeira Rodrigues affirmed: "I will do everything I can to make sure I don't damage the football team and I believe we can still win the league with Jorge Jesus."

Pedro Madeira Rodrigues finished with a word on any eventual competition: "It will only help Bruno de Carvalho, as it will divide the vote. I would like to take this opportunity to ask you to join me."