Filipe Soares Franco

Filipe Soares Franco is the chairman of Sporting Clube de Portugal, one of Portugal's biggest comprehensive sports clubs. Soares Franco's rise to the post came after much troubled times for Sporting; he succeeded António Dias da Cunha after the latter resigned in solidarity with manager José Peseiro.

After his "Project Finance" was defeated in general assembly, Soares Franco called for elections, saying he would not be a candidate in the presidential run. However, on April 12, 2006, he officially announced his candidacy, stirring up much controversy. However, in the 2nd of June, his proposal to the Project Finance will be approved by members of the club that provides the income of almost 100 million Euros.

Quotations

* "It was perfectly legal." - about a goal scored by Luisão allegedly after fouling Sporting's goalkeeper Ricardo, and which may have cost the club it's championship title.
* "Pinto da Costa said that he would never sell Cristiano Ronaldo, but now he has sold Paulo Ferreira; what is the difference between them?"
* "If Liedson is an ordinary player (as stated by the rival president of benfica) what can be said about Benfica's team?"
* "Sporting will have the best team of Portugal."
* "Minorities cannot block the future of Sporting."