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Portugal: Portuguese Voters Head To Polls In Third Election In Three Years

May 18, 2025, 11:52 pm

Portuguese voters went to the polls on Sunday in the nation’s third general election in three years, with the centre-right Democratic Alliance (AD), whose leader is Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, set to gain the most seats but not a parliamentary majority.

Last opinion surveys suggest the AD will better its 2024 performance and beat the incumbent Socialist Party (PS) in terms of votes. Still, the AD will come up short of the 116 mandates required for a majority in the parliament of 230 members. The extreme right-wing Chega party will likely come third, potentially as a kingmaker, although Montenegro has kept rejecting the populist bloc’s calls for a coalition.

The snap election was called after Montenegro lost a parliamentary vote of confidence in March that was called by him himself during a storm of controversy over perceived conflicts of interest involving his consultancy business. Montenegro denies any impropriety and says that he had no role to play in its operation.

Speaking to supporters at a rally in Lisbon, Montenegro emphasized obtaining a robust mandate to surf international tensions and to strengthen Portugal’s position in Europe. The turnout at noon was 25.56%, marginally better than last year’s 25.21%.

Montenegro’s government has also launched tax reductions for the young, boosted pensions, and insisted on a stronger approach to immigration. His latest move to expel 18,000 illegal immigrants was criticized by his political opponents who blamed him for playing on far-right emotions.

In the meantime, Chega keeps growing in popularity in spite of internal controversies, such as allegations of theft by a party legislator. Its chief, Andre Ventura, called on disenchanted voters to vote while he struggled with illness throughout the campaign.

Portugal Plans to Deport 18,000 Undocumented Migrants Ahead of Election

May 4, 2025, 4:30 pm

Portugal’s caretaker government has revealed a plan to expel around 18,000 undocumented migrants. This announcement comes just weeks before the country heads to the polls on May 18, triggering intense public criticism and concern over the nation’s political direction.

Minister of the Presidency, António Leitão Amaro, made the announcement on Saturday, May 3. This move is one of several controversial decisions by the centre-right Social Democratic Party (PSD), which lost a parliamentary confidence vote in March.

According to Euronews, the government will start by sending notices to 4,500 migrants, giving them 20 days to leave Portugal voluntarily.

“Portugal needs to review its deportation system, which doesn’t work,” Amaro told local media. He said Portugal is among the weakest in Europe at removing migrants who break immigration laws or are considered security threats.

Political Tensions Rise as Snap Election Nears

The timing of this deportation policy has caused political tension. It was announced just weeks before snap elections, called by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro. He stepped down due to a potential conflict-of-interest scandal. His family’s law firm had ties with a company that received a major gambling contract from the government.

Montenegro had served less than a year in office. He tried to ease the scandal by calling for new elections. However, opposition parties united and toppled his coalition government. His alliance had only 80 of the 230 seats in Parliament. The no-confidence motion passed with 128 votes, supported by both the centre-left Socialist Party and the rising far-right party, Chega.

Populism Gains Strength Amid Migration Debate

This deportation move comes at a time when populist ideas are spreading in Portuguese politics. Many citizens are worried about migration and the country’s economic situation. Chega, once seen as a fringe party, is now the third-biggest force in Parliament.

Analysts believe the deportation policy may be a strategy to win back conservative voters. Chega leader André Ventura has focused heavily on migration in his campaign. He has called for stronger border controls. The current government’s decisions seem to reflect his tough stance.

Although the PSD denies copying Chega, critics argue these steps are harming Portugal’s image as a country that values human rights and inclusive governance.

EU Funds and Economy at Risk

The deportation plan comes at a crucial moment for Portugal’s economy. The country is rolling out over €22 billion from the European Union to recover from recent crises. These funds are meant to rebuild infrastructure, boost the economy, and strengthen public services.

However, the ongoing political unrest threatens to delay or derail these recovery efforts. Many fear that the instability will weaken Portugal’s ability to make full use of the EU support.

Immigration System Under Pressure

Human rights organisations are also worried about how the deportation policy will be implemented. They believe it could harm migrants who have waited for years in Portugal without legal status. Many had applied during the pandemic but never got proper documents due to bureaucratic slowdowns.

Portugal’s immigration system has been overwhelmed for years, with backlogs worsening after COVID-19. Thousands of migrants remain stuck in administrative limbo, unsure about their future.

A Divided Nation Ahead of the Vote

Portugal, with a population of 10.6 million, is heading toward an uncertain election. The political centre is weakening, while both the left and right sides are gaining power. As the election nears, the country’s direction on migration, governance, and the economy hangs in the balance.

How One Family Turned Portugal’s Blackout Into a Night to Remember

April 30, 2025, 6:35 pm

A mass blackout recently interrupted life in Spain and Portugal, grounding flights, cutting internet and mobile services, leaving people stranded in trains, and postponing hospital procedures. But in the midst of the disruption, an Indian man living in Portugal with his Malaysian wife and children chose to make the crisis a fond memory.

Since the power was out and they had no internet or phone access, his first concern was how his kids would survive without their screens. Rather than fret, he enjoyed the unusual digital quiet. He made tuna sandwiches for everyone and created a warm night by lit candles and some Christmas lights that were still lit. They played the board game Bananagrams and spent time together unfettered by any distractions.

Captioning the experience on Instagram, he posted, “Portugal without electricity took us back to the cave ages, which to be honest, I didn’t mind. For a short moment when the entire region was on somewhat panic mode, my first thought was: my kids are not going to have internet tonight.”

As they learned to get through powerless night, the family chose to venture out. “Then we took a walk on the dark street, star gazed and caught fireflies. I may have enjoyed it more than I would have thought,” he wrote, continuing, “Portugal powerless for 12 hours. No internet, no mobile network, no communication with the rest of the world. Our house is electric, so no cooking as well.”

The reason behind the blackout remains disputed. Al Jazeera reports that Portugal’s electricity operator Redes Energéticas Nacionais (REN) explained it as ‘induced atmospheric vibration’, caused by extreme temperature fluctuations on high-voltage transmission lines. But Spain’s weather agency, Aemet, dismissed this theory, saying that on April 28, their weather stations detected no abnormal weather activity or sudden temperature fluctuations.

Portugal Political Crisis: Three Elections In Three Years, Can The Next Election End The Cycle Of Instability? | TDG Explainer

March 15, 2025, 2:16 am

Portugal is preparing for its third snap general election in three years, following the collapse of Prime Minister Luis Montenegro’s center-right government amidst allegations of corruption. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa declared that the election, which will restore stability in the country, will be conducted on May 18.

A Series of Political Turmoil

The current political crisis is the third government collapse in Portugal within a period of three years, something that is unprecedented since the Carnation Revolution in 1974. Montenegro was appointed as prime minister in November 2023 after the resignation of former Socialist Prime Minister Antonio Costa, who quit as the focus of a corruption inquiry. Montenegro’s tenure as prime minister has been marked by scandal, leading to loss of parliamentary confidence and the subsequent no-confidence vote.

The Scandal: Corruption Charges Against Prime Minister Montenegro

The immediate cause of the fall of the government is the allegations surrounding Spinumviva, a data protection advisory company set up by Montenegro and later operated by his family. Opposition politicians have accused him of reaping benefits from deals negotiated under his political patronage, arousing suspicion of conflict of interest. While Montenegro has rebuffed any impropriety by the fact that he has never intervened in government business decisions in respect to client firms, the gap in transparency has generated public mistrust and compelled a parliamentary probe. A Pattern of Political Instability

This most recent upheaval is only one of a broader pattern of political unrest in Portugal:

2022: The Socialist Party (PS) under Prime Minister Antonio Costa secured an absolute majority. The government itself, though, was marred by scandals, including those over TAP Air Portugal and intra-party conflict, leading to Costa’s resignation in the face of an investigation into corruption.
2024: There were snap elections, and a minority government led by PSD was established. Montenegro assumed office in November 2023, but his tenure was shortened due to the recent corruption scandal and the defeat of the confidence vote.

The No-Confidence Vote and Political Reactions

Under the motion to challenge the growing accusations, Montenegro offered a confidence vote. However, the coalition parties of opposition – center-left Socialist Party (PS), the far-right party Chega, Portuguese Communist Party, Left Bloc, animal protection party PAN, and green Livre party denied the motion. This led to the fall of the government and bringing forward of the early elections on the calendar.

Forthcoming Elections: The Imminent Showdown Awaits

The following elections look to be closely fought. Opinion polls currently show a tie between the Social Democrats of Montenegro and opposition Socialist Party led by Pedro Nuno Santos. Even the far-right party Chega remains a significant force, remaining as the country’s third party in parliament even through internal squabbles. Political instability is also added by the difficulty in managing significant amounts of EU development funds and battling serious economic concerns.

Implications for Portugal’s Future

The recurring cycle of government scandals and snap elections has raised doubts about the political stability of Portugal and its ability to govern effectively. The upcoming election will be crucial in determining the future of the country, as it tackles internal matters and its position in the broader European context. The outcome will also decide the economic policies of Portugal, especially with the ongoing economic uncertainties worldwide.

As Portugal approaches another election, the nation stands at a crossroads with the potential to overhaul its political landscape and address the root issues that have caused the current volatility.

Portugal Calls Early Election On May 18 After Government Collapse, Triggers Third Election In Three Years

March 14, 2025, 2:22 am

Portugal will have an early parliamentary election on May 18, its third national poll in more than three years, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa declared on Thursday. The move came after the collapse of the minority centre-right government following a parliamentary confidence vote earlier this week.

Rebelo de Sousa’s long-expected decision to dissolve parliament followed talks with major parties and the consultative Council of State. The government will operate in caretaker mode until a new parliament is formed.

The scandal broke out when Prime Minister Luis Montenegro’s administration came under fire for his family’s data protection consultancy business. The opposition had called for a parliamentary investigation, claiming that deals with private companies had enriched Montenegro financially as premier. Although Montenegro has dismissed any impropriety, prosecutors are examining the allegations, although no official investigation is being conducted.

In spite of the political unrest, Montenegro’s Social Democratic Party (PSD) reconfirmed him as its leader. Yet, according to most political observers, his management has led to another snap election. His alliance is found to have lost voter trust according to polls, and both his coalition and opposition Socialists are polling around 30% according to surveys.

There are still fears of extended instability, however, with the far-right Chega party still polling third, albeit just short of its 18% figure last time around. Portugal’s economy, meanwhile, has continued to prove robust, notching budget balances and lowering debt under both centre-left and centre-right administrations.

Amid growing frustration over repeated elections with little promise of stability, analysts predict an increase in voter abstention. Last year’s election saw record voter turnout, boosting anti-establishment parties, but whether history will repeat itself remains uncertain.

Portugal’s Government Collapses As PM Montenegro Fails Confidence Vote, Elections Loom

March 12, 2025, 3:08 am

Portugal’s minority centre-right government fell on Tuesday following a decisive defeat of confidence, paving the way for the nation’s third early general election in three years.

Legislators voted down the motion 142-88, with no abstentions, in a major setback for Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, who had been in power for only 11 months. Montenegro had summoned the vote last Thursday after the opposition questioned a consultancy firm he started, now owned by his sons, challenging his integrity.

Defending himself to parliament, Montenegro denied charges of moral wrongdoing, calling them “insulting” and politically driven. “The accusation that I confused business with politics is purely untrue. If you repeat a lie, it doesn’t make it true it just pollutes the political climate,” he asserted.

Now that the government has assumed a caretaker position, whether or not to dissolve parliament and hold an election is the president’s choice. He will hear from the political parties on Wednesday and from his advisory Council of State on Thursday before announcing a decision. The president has indicated that the new election may be held as early as mid-May.

Montenegro lashed out at the collapse, saying his government had tried to avoid a snap election. He had tried to convince the opposition Socialist Party to abstain or negotiate terms for pulling the motion, even suggesting he submit himself to a parliamentary investigation into the business activities of his family. But the Socialists would not negotiate a timeframe for the inquiry.

Socialist leader Pedro Nuno Santos dismissed Montenegro’s last-minute attempts to reach a deal, calling them “desperate and shameful.” He placed full blame on the prime minister, stating that Montenegro had proven “unfit to govern.”

As Portugal faces another potential election, political uncertainty continues to grip the country, raising concerns over governance stability.

Meghan Markle’s ‘Shrewd’ Strategy to Protect Harry from Royal Manipulation

November 2, 2024, 7:36 am

Meghan Markle has recently bought a home in Portugal, which may serve as a way to distance Prince Harry from his royal ties. This decision comes amid worries that the royal family might try to “pull him back into the fold.” The new European base allows Meghan to remain close for family visits while avoiding deep entanglement with royal life.

Speculations Surrounding Harry’s Royal Duties

Royal experts are speculating about the possibility of Harry returning to his royal responsibilities. A former palace staff member revealed that Harry and Meghan began searching for a home in Portugal after realizing that their life in the U.S. didn’t meet their expectations.

Meghan’s Concerns About Royal Manipulation

“Buying in Portugal is a shrewd move for Meghan,” an insider told Radar. Meghan is reportedly worried that the royal family might manipulate Harry into returning without her. Thus, she needs to be proactive in ensuring she doesn’t feel isolated or sidelined.

Now, if Harry wants to take their children, Archie and Lilibet, to visit King Charles, Meghan can join without feeling “trapped” in the UK. “If it is deemed safe from a security standpoint, it’s likely she’ll give her blessing for Harry to take Archie and Lilibet to see their grandpa,” the source added.

Impact on Family Connections

The Sussexes’ move to the U.S. has diminished Archie and Lilibet’s connection to royal life, reportedly causing heartache for King Charles, who misses seeing his grandchildren. Royal biographer Robert Hardman suggested in OK magazine that a future collaboration between Harry and the royal family is possible. He noted that “you never say never with the royals” and sees hope in Harry and Meghan visiting the U.K. more often, which could allow for a natural reconnection.

Reasons Behind the Move to Portugal

King Charles’ former butler mentioned that the Sussexes desired a fresh start, leading them to invest in a luxurious property at the CostaTerra Golf and Ocean Club. This move comes as speculation grows about reconciling with their estranged royal family, with the hope that being closer might mend their relationship after a series of turbulent allegations.

Reports indicate that the couple spent over $4.7 million on their new home. Grant Harrold commented to The Post that this rumored move back to Europe might suggest Harry and Meghan are “edging closer to the UK.”

Earlier in October, news emerged that the Duke and Duchess had acquired a beautiful property in Europe, potentially to keep a foothold in the region. By owning property in Portugal, they join other royals, such as Harry’s cousin, Princess Eugenie, and her husband, Jack Brooksbank.

Reflection on Their Life in the U.S.

Harrold further stated to The Post, “There are many people that move away and then move back, so I don’t think it would be unusual for Harry and Meghan to leave the U.S. for Europe.” He added that perhaps life in the States wasn’t what they had envisioned, which might explain why they are now moving back towards the UK.

With this new purchase, the couple can maintain a presence in Europe and benefit from visa-free travel across the Schengen area through Portugal’s “Golden Visa” program.

Afghan Musicians Find New Home in Portugal After Taliban Bans Music in Afghanistan

July 23, 2024, 4:03 am

Near Portugal’s oldest cathedral and bakeries serving pastéis de nata, the complex notes of a sitar fill the air in the northern city of Braga. This seemingly ordinary building is the new home of the Afghanistan National Institute of Music, dedicated to preserving Afghan music and countering efforts to eradicate it. Ahmad Sarmast, the institute’s director, emphasizes the resilience of Afghan music despite the Taliban’s attempts to silence it.

Founded in 2010 under the US-backed government in Kabul, the institute symbolized Afghanistan’s progress. It featured ensembles of young male and female musicians from diverse backgrounds, including Zohra, the country’s first all-female orchestra. They toured globally, blending Afghan and Western music and challenging the Taliban’s enforced silence.

However, the institute’s future dimmed when the Taliban regained power in August 2021. Ramiz Safa, a 20-year-old musician, recalls the panic and fear as the Taliban took over, forcing him to hide his rubab and change his appearance. Sarmast, on holiday in Australia, worked tirelessly to protect the institute’s members. Portugal responded, eventually allowing 273 people, including musicians and staff, to relocate to Europe.

Initially, the musicians faced homesickness and culture shock, worsened by Covid-19 restrictions. Living conditions in Lisbon stretched beyond the planned few weeks, leading to frustration and cultural conflicts. Despite these challenges, the musicians gradually adapted. Farida Ahmadi, 15, recalls the initial difficulties but notes their progress and newfound comfort in Portugal.

Today, about 70 musicians and staff reside in Braga. Unaccompanied minors attend local schools, while those over 18 study at the music conservatory. On weekends, they practice and hone their skills. The institute continues to nurture Afghanistan’s musical traditions, with upcoming performances at Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center highlighting their resilience.

Since the Taliban’s return, Afghanistan has faced severe repression, with women’s rights significantly curtailed and music banned. Sarmast stresses the institute’s role in preserving Afghan music and culture, fearing that these traditions could vanish under continued Taliban rule. The institute’s performances now serve as a testament to Afghan resilience and a call to the international community to reject Taliban recognition, ensuring that Afghan voices are not silenced.

Ronaldo In Tears As Costa’s Heroics Send Portugal To Euro 2024 Quarter-Finals

July 2, 2024, 7:35 am

In a thrilling Euro 2024 last-16 clash on Monday, goalkeeper Diogo Costa saved all three penalties as Portugal triumphed 3-0 in a shootout against a resilient Slovenia, who had held them to a 0-0 draw after extra time. Despite a missed penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal advanced to a quarter-final meeting with France in Hamburg on Friday.

Costa’s standout performance saw him make crucial saves from Josip Iličić, Jure Balkovec, and Benjamin Verbič in the shootout, becoming the first goalkeeper to save three penalties in a Euros shootout. His heroics overshadowed a largely lackluster team performance.

“This is probably the best game of my life,” Costa said. “I focused on doing what I had to do. I went with my gut feeling. Of course, we had analyzed the penalty takers, but players change how they shoot. I’m very happy and very excited to have helped the team.”

Ronaldo, in particular, faced scrutiny after missing several opportunities, including a crucial penalty in extra time. The miss left him in tears, needing consolation from his teammates.

“Even the strongest people have their bad days. I was at rock bottom when the team needed me the most,” Ronaldo admitted in a post-match interview before breaking down again. “Sadness at the start is joy at the end. That’s what football is. Moments, inexplicable moments. I feel sad and happy at the same time. But the important thing is to enjoy it. The team did an extraordinary job. We fought right to the end and, if you analyze the game, I think we deserved it because we had more authority.”

Portugal was awarded a penalty late in the first half of extra time when Diogo Jota’s run into the box was illegally stopped by defender Vanja Drkusić, who narrowly avoided a second yellow card. Despite having a reliable penalty taker in Bruno Fernandes, Ronaldo elected to take the shot, which was brilliantly saved by Slovenia’s Jan Oblak, pushing the ball onto the post.

Ronaldo, aiming to become the oldest scorer in Euros history at 39, struggled throughout the match, missing several headed chances and four free-kicks that posed little threat to Oblak.

Slovenia defended admirably, often sending long balls to forwards Andraž Šporar and Benjamin Šeško in an attempt to capitalize on their limited possession. Šeško had two one-on-one opportunities from Pepe’s mistakes, missing the first and having the second well-saved by Costa.

Šeško’s missed chance late in extra time haunted Slovenia as they crumbled under the pressure of the shootout, much to Ronaldo’s relief, who scored the first penalty for Portugal.

Slovenia exits the tournament after drawing all four of their matches in Germany, yet they made history by reaching the knockout rounds of a major tournament for the first time.

“Unfortunately, it did not work out for us. I’m lost for words; the atmosphere here is amazing, and that’s what makes it that much more difficult,” Oblak lamented. “There’s nothing more to add. You see what happened in extra time, we had the opportunity to score, but we were probably missing a bit of luck.”

Euro 2024: Cristiano Ronaldo Faces Setback As Portugal Stumbles Against Georgia

June 27, 2024, 2:42 pm

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal endured a shocking 0-2 defeat against Georgia in a pivotal match at UEFA Euro 2024, marking a significant setback in the star striker’s career.

This loss marked the first time Ronaldo failed to score during the group stage of a major international tournament. The goals for Georgia came from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Georges Mikautadze, sealing an unexpected victory over the Portuguese side.

Despite this setback, Portugal remains at the top of Group F with two wins and one loss, poised to face Slovenia in the round of 16 on July 1st. Ronaldo’s sole contribution during the group stage was an assist to Bruno Fernandes in a 3-0 victory over Turkey.

This tournament represents Ronaldo’s tenth major international competition with Portugal, where he has consistently found the net in previous group stages.

However, his recent form has seen him struggle, failing to score a non-penalty goal in his last ten matches at major international tournaments. Nonetheless, Ronaldo, at 39 years old, continues to hold the record for the most goals in Euro competition history, currently standing at 14 goals.

The match against Georgia also marked Ronaldo’s 50th appearance in major international competitions for Portugal, comprising 22 appearances at the FIFA World Cup and 28 at the European Championship. With 210 appearances overall, Ronaldo remains Portugal’s all-time top scorer with an impressive tally of 130 goals.

As the Euro 2024 progresses in Germany, Ronaldo and Portugal remain determined to secure their second title, having clinched their first in 2016. The tournament, running from June 14th to July 14th, sees Italy defending their title amidst stiff competition from European football’s elite nations.

Euro 2024: Ronaldo Fans Interrupt Portugal Game Four Times

June 23, 2024, 7:20 pm

Portugal’s victory over Turkey in their Euro 2024 Group F clash in Dortmund was marred by multiple pitch invasions, with fans interrupting play to take selfies with Cristiano Ronaldo. The incidents, which occurred both during and after the match, have raised serious concerns about player safety and stadium security.

Following the game, Portugal coach Roberto Martinez expressed grave concern over the pitch invasions, emphasizing that such behavior should not be tolerated. “It is concerning, even though today the fans’ intentions seemed harmless,” Martinez remarked. “Fans admire big stars like Ronaldo, but it’s a precarious situation if their actions turn negative and players are put at risk.”

Despite heightened security measures, including numerous stewards and officials on the pitch, fans managed to evade them multiple times. In one instance during the 70th minute, a young boy, approximately 10 years old, breached security to take a photo with Ronaldo. The incident led to a brief halt in play as stewards escorted the child off the field amid applause from the crowd.

Later in the Euro 2024 match, a teenage boy attempted a similar stunt, prompting Ronaldo to gesture him away before security intervened. Two more fans, adult males, also ran onto the pitch in stoppage time, aiming to reach Ronaldo with their phones, further delaying proceedings.

The interruptions have triggered an automatic UEFA investigation into the stadium’s security arrangements. Signal Iduna Park, where the incidents occurred, is set to host critical matches in the tournament, including a round-of-16 fixture and a semifinal.

Ronaldo, who now plays for Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, remained composed during the disruptions, cooperating with security and interacting briefly with the fans before they were escorted off the field.

The pitch invasions highlight a growing challenge for organizers to ensure player safety and maintain the integrity of matches in major football tournaments.

Ronaldo’s brace marks fluid prowess of Portugal in EURO cup qualifiers

March 24, 2023, 3:01 pm

On Friday, Roberto Martinez sealed a commanding victory over Liechtenstein in the Euro 2024 Qualifiers, ushering in a new era for Portuguese football. Portugal regained their international prowess after displaying some of the most fluid play ever witnessed.

Joao Cancelo set the flow with a goal quite early in the game following a corner. The Portuguese right-back struck a half-volley from the edge of the box to give the hosts a lead in the 8th minute of the game. While Liechtenstein struggled, Portugal repeatedly knocked on the door of visitors, but was always denied by the smallest of margins.

The hosts continued their dominance over struggling Liechtenstein in the second half as well. But this time Portugal’s effort was highlighted on the scoreboard. In a span of 6 minutes, Portugal struck twice, with Bernardo Silva and Cristiano Ronaldo registering their names on the scoresheet. Silva doubled the lead in the 47th minute with a close-range goal.

Joao Cancelo earned a penalty a few moments later, which was converted by the Portuguese skipper to make it 3-0 in the 51st minute. Portugal didn’t refrain from posing an attacking threat even after securing a victory. They maintained the intensity and bore fruit for their efforts in the 63rd minute of the game. The Portuguese goal scoring machine got his second goal from a close range free kick to make it 4-0.

Portugal ended the match with 35 shots, and Ronaldo ended the match by scoring his 120th international goal. Even at the age of 38, Ronaldo still possesses the wicked ability to score goals and create chances according to his own will. They will play their next game against Luxembourg at the Luxembourg Stadium on Monday.

Manchester united exit ‘a bad phase of career’: Christiano Ronaldo

March 23, 2023, 5:27 pm

On Wednesday, Cristiano Ronaldo said that his departure from Manchester United after a second tenure at Old Trafford marked the beginning of a “bad phase of his career.” The Portuguese international, who is currently participating in two Euro 2024 qualifying matches for his nation, left United in January after being shunned for his criticism of the team and manager Erik ten Hag in an interview with Piers Morgan.

“I think that everything in life happens for a reason. I’m often grateful to go through some difficult things so I can see who is really on my side. At the tough times, you see who is on your side. It wasn’t a very good phase in my life, in my career, first on a personal level and then professionally.”

For the first time since they fell to Morocco in the 2022 World Cup quarterfinals, Ronaldo is once again participating in international football. Portugal replaced longtime coach Fernando Santos, who left the team following the tournament in Qatar, with Roberto Martinez in the interim.

Santos left the team after the controversy surrounding Ronaldo’s benching during the tournament’s knockout stage in Qatar, but the former Real Madrid star believed it was time to put the past behind them as they attempted to reach the European Championship in Germany the following summer.

Ronaldo is set to break the all-time record of appearances with a national team after tying Bader Al-Mutawa’s mark of 196 outings for Kuwait while playing in Qatar. Portugal are unbeaten against Liechtenstein, with six wins and a draw in seven matches.

Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa was dropped Wednesday because of a muscle injury and replaced by Celton Biai, who plays for Vitoria Guimaraes. Portugal’s Euro 2024 qualifying group also includes Iceland, Slovakia and Bosnia-Herzegovina. The top two nations from each of the 10 groups qualify for the final.

Qatar’s stadium guidelines for FIFA fans

November 18, 2022, 1:21 pm

The fans visiting the Middle-Eastern country for FIFA World Cup 2022 have to cover their shoulders, knees said the Qatar government guidelines.

The guidelines have garnered criticism from across the world for asking the fans flocking to the country to wear appropriate clothes.

The statement issued by Qatar Tourism reads, “Attitudes towards dressing in Qatar are relaxed, but visitors (men as well as women) are expected to show respect for the local culture by avoiding excessively revealing clothes in public. It is generally recommended for men and women to ensure their shoulders and knees are covered.”

Meanwhile, the guidelines have requested fans to respect the decision including its restrictions on drinking, drugs, sexual activity, and attire.

However, from 20 November 2022 FIFA World Cup will begin and will go on till 18 December. The first match will be played between the Ecuadorian team and the host team.

However, Qatar (Hosts), Argentina, Brazil, England, France, Spain, Belgium, Portugal, Germany, The Netherlands, Uruguay, Croatia, Denmark, Mexico, the United States, Senegal, Wales, Poland, Australia, Japan, Morocco, Switzerland, Ghana, Korea Republic, Cameroon, Serbia, Canada, Costa Rica, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Ecuador qualified for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Furthermore, in 8 different stadiums across the middle-eastern nation of Qatar the World Cup 2022 will be played at Lusail Iconic Stadium, Al Bayt Stadium, Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Khalifa International Stadium, Stadium 974, Al Thumama Stadium, Education City Stadium, Al Wakrah Sports Complex.