Paços de Ferreira has officially transitioned from a Sociedade Desportiva Unipessoal por Quotas (SDUQ) to a Sociedade Anónima Desportiva (SAD), marking a significant shift in the club’s organizational structure. This move aligns Paços de Ferreira with the majority of Portuguese football clubs, aiming to attract external investment and enhance competitive performance.
Key Facts
- Paços de Ferreira transitions from SDUQ to SAD.
- The move aims to attract external investment and improve competitiveness.
- The new investors will hold 80% of the SAD and inject €10 million.
- Only three clubs in Portugal’s top two leagues remain as SDUQ.
What is SDUQ and SAD?
A Sociedade Desportiva Unipessoal por Quotas (SDUQ) is a sports company composed of quotas with only one shareholder, which is the founding club. This model ensures that the club remains the sole shareholder and cannot relinquish this status. In contrast, a Sociedade Anónima Desportiva (SAD) allows for multiple shareholders and is designed to attract external investment.
The Shift in Portuguese Football
In recent years, many Portuguese football clubs have transitioned to the SAD model to secure external funding and elevate their competitive levels. Prominent clubs like Benfica, FC Porto, Sporting, SC Braga, Vitória SC, and Marítimo have already adopted this structure. The percentage of the SAD owned by the respective clubs varies, but it must be at least 10% to retain certain veto rights, such as changing the club’s location or symbols.
Financial Requirements
According to Portuguese law, the minimum capital required for a SAD is €1 million, while for an SDUQ, it is €250,000. In the second division, these amounts are reduced to €200,000 and €50,000, respectively.
Recent Examples
The most recent club to transition from SDUQ to SAD before Paços de Ferreira was Rio Ave. On June 15, 2024, Rio Ave formalized its transformation and announced that 80% of its capital was acquired by Rah Sports Investments Limited. This move was seen as a step towards greater success and stability for the club.
The New Era for Paços de Ferreira
Paços de Ferreira’s transition to SAD is part of a broader project involving the Celta de Vigo (Spain) and Independiente del Valle (Ecuador), spearheaded by the Portuguese businessman Jorge Mendes. The new investors will hold 80% of the SAD and will inject €10 million into the club, providing much-needed financial support.
Statements from the Club
Paulo Meneses, the president of Paços de Ferreira, expressed his optimism about the transition. He acknowledged the challenges of sustaining the club in a rapidly evolving football industry and emphasized the importance of this move for the club’s future.
Looking Ahead
With Ricardo Silva as the new head coach, Paços de Ferreira is set to embark on a new chapter. The club’s supporters have shown strong backing for this transition, with around 600 members attending the voting ceremony. The future looks promising as the club aims to achieve greater success on and off the field.
