University lecturer Alexandre Mestre focuses on inclusion and transparency

Geared around university students, the first day of the Future of Football International Congress focused in on the role of fans in football, the future of training coaches, the development female football and also the game off the pitch. Universidade Europeia lecturer and lawyer Alexandre Mestre was invited to speak on the issues, as well as problems he sees in Portuguese football.

“When we speak about Portuguese football, as a lawyer I have to add a bit about how we can develop the idea of transparency, public involvement in decision-making and the integration of women and disabled people into the sport. There are various issues off the pitch which are really relevant, including things that can help the fans believe in true sportsmanship", affirmed Alexandre Mestre.

Moving on to an analysis of the Portuguese Football Federation (PFF), the lecture added: "The PFF is one of the 19 federations within a total group of 209 in FIFA which publishes its regulations and statutes. It is important to mention the good things too. On the other hand, there is room for improvement in terms of cooperation and togetherness between organisations. I always give the example of shops which sell the same thing, always wanting their competitors to close, but clubs need their competitors economically and financially. Anything that can promote a greater union between clubs should be given priority. Another important issue is the transparency of clubs, because sometimes it is difficult to understand what regulations they are working with."