Save Boavista movement raises €80,000, awaits court ruling to reopen stadium

The 'Save Boavista' movement, which raised the necessary funds to reopen the Porto club, expressed on Friday its anticipation for the court's decision on the future of the axadrezados, who may soon cease operations.

"We are living days of immense anxiety. The entire Boavista family awaits a court decision that will allow the reopening of our club. A decision that was expected on Wednesday, then on Thursday, and that many believed could finally come today [on Friday], especially after the unequivocal demonstration of unity from the city, the mobilization of Boavista supporters, and the amount deposited in the insolvent estate account," the movement acknowledged via social media.

Background on the Crisis

A week ago, the insolvency administrator announced that Boavista would cease operations by the end of July, after failing to deposit the funds needed to cover current expenses for June into the creditors' insolvent estate account. This decision affected nearly 1,500 athletes across 31 sports and had been close to happening several times since December 2025.

The handover of the keys to the Estádio do Bessa and adjacent spaces, free of people and property, is scheduled for July 31. However, the 'Save Boavista' movement has raised around €80,000 in recent days and continues to accept donations to try to prevent the closure of the club, founded in 1903 and holder of nine national trophies in senior men's football—behind only Benfica, FC Porto, and Sporting.

Fundraising and Mobilization

"When many believed nothing more could be done, members, fans, former athletes, Porto residents, and Boavista supporters spread across Portugal and the world united for a common cause: saving Boavista. A week later, it was already possible to raise more than the amount needed to keep the doors open, according to the insolvency administrator, with the full amount going to the insolvent estate account," it assured.

Given this mobilization, the club's board submitted a request to the court to obtain validation from the insolvency administrator and reopen the Estádio do Bessa facilities, but has yet to receive a response.

"It's impossible not to feel some incomprehension. The speed with which the club's closure was determined is not being matched by the same speed in its reopening, despite this extraordinary demonstration of life, strength, and resilience, and, according to reports, with a favorable opinion for reopening from the creditors' committee. Each passing day increases everyone's anguish, but if this movement has proven anything, it's that hope has never ceased to exist," it emphasized.

Movement's Stance and Goals

Rejecting any ties to "any board, candidacy, or private interest," the movement claims to be composed solely of volunteers and was born "from the pain, concern, and unconditional love of thousands of Boavista supporters, who refused to accept that a century-old club could disappear."

"We want to continue mobilizing the membership base, fans, former players, businesspeople, Porto residents, and all who love Boavista to ensure the club's current expenses until the end of 2026, allowing it to rebuild with stability, dignity, and confidence," they affirmed.

Campaign Initiatives

The movement rewards those who contribute at least €50 with an exclusive campaign jersey, an initiative that has already registered nearly 1,500 requests, with a goal of selling 3,000 pieces.

"In the coming days, we will present to Boavista's board a proposal for a new membership fee plan, which can contribute to strengthening the club's sustainability," it added, thanking the club presided over by Rui Garrido Pereira for its collaboration in promoting the campaign.

Political Support

On Tuesday, the Porto City Council unanimously approved a joint motion reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding Boavista's social relevance, with the executive led by Pedro Duarte, from the PSD/CDS-PP/IL coalition, expressing willingness to collaborate in finding solutions.

"We believe Boavista will reopen its doors by July 31. It would make no sense otherwise, but our goal was never just to ensure the club's reopening. It is to help ensure its continuity," it concluded.

Legal and Sporting Context

The axadrezados submitted a recovery plan to the court one day before the announcement of the activity closure and affiliated with the Porto Football Association (AF) for the 2026/27 season, without knowing which divisions they might compete in.

Boavista had its liquidation approved in September 2025, after accumulating debts exceeding €150 million, but three months later, the situation took a new turn with the emergence of the 'Save Boavista' movement.