Luísa Rosas
Licínio Prata Pina
Luís Figo
Entrepreneur
At the age of 45, Luís Figo remains strong in the memory of all Portuguese. Not only because he recently stood for the presidency of Sporting, but because no one can forget the fine performance of the former captain of the National Squad. Dedicated to the business world for some years now, Figo reveals that he doesn’t rule out standing once again for the FIFA presidency and calls for less politics and more work from people working in football organisations. To ensure better competitions and better conditions for small teams. Behind the scenes, he keeps himself informed, while travelling around the world, for work commitments.
As a former player, how would analyse the current situation at Sporting?
Sporting isn’t having a positive moment in terms of governance, so there will be elections for the presidency of the club. I hope that everything returns to normal and the person chosen by the partners can solve the financial situation and create an image that is in keeping with the grandeur of the club. In my view, a series of reforms have to be made to make this happen.
In a sentence, how would you describe Portuguese football?
A football that produces many talents, but which cannot compete financially with the other major European leagues.
What is your day-to-day life like now?
My day-to-day life depends on whether or not I have work commitments. If so, I travel a lot. At the moment, more to Switzerland, Asia and the United States. If I don’t have any work commitments, I am dedicated to my family and to playing sport.
«My plans for the immediate future are to keep trying to be happy»
Might we see your name again as a FIFA presidential candidate?
At the moment this is not a goal, but I don’t rule out this question, it depends on what I think is being done that is positive and not in the interests of football and the support I may or may not have to start that career as president of that body.
What critique and praise would you make of world football?
I do not have to criticise or praise world football. I think that people who are involved in major football-related organisations have to work to create better competitions and create the conditions for football to be more competitive for less financially endowed teams. So that they are better able to compete with the so-called major world teams. And, on the other hand, there should be fewer political decisions in these organisations and more decisions for the good of football.
In which areas are you businesses at the moment? And what career plans do you have for the future?
At this moment I have businesses in the areas of food, hotels, football, finance, mining and restaurants. My plans for the immediate future are to keep trying to be happy.
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