The Portuguese sports sector is in need of a “structural cultural change”, according to a study commissioned by PricewaterhouseCoopers commissioned by the Portuguese Olympic Committee (COP), the Portuguese Paralympic Committee (CPP) and the Portuguese Sports Confederation (CDP).

The second part of this report, published today, on the state of the sector in Portugal compared to other European countries and after the covid-19 pandemic, speaks of the desire to “carry out structural cultural changes”, towards a “society that recognizes the social and economic importance of sport and regularly engages in physical and sports activities.

In particular, the problems of the Portuguese sports system are numerous and have several “long-standing structural vulnerabilities”.

A “poor funding structure” with underfunding and heavy reliance on the public sector “by local authorities”, as well as the “short” cost of the central government and gambling, betting operators and other arrangements, exposes the sector to difficulties.

Other weaknesses range from low levels of professionalism to “alarming levels of participation in sports” with historic lows without effective government action, with disinterest “particularly among women, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities and the elderly”, in addition to “levels of concern about physical motor illiteracy among children.

Other cited factors are “weak awareness of innovation in sport” and issues of ethics and integrity, as well as “various scandals involving corruption, match-fixing, organized violence and money laundering”.

“In short, the structural deficiencies of Portuguese sport reflect a general lack of sports culture in society. Portuguese sport has deep structural problems that ultimately affect the public’s perception of sport. the socio-economic impact of sports, while, on the other hand, sports organizations have shown a limited ability to respond to challenges due to their low level of professionalism.

Despite the difficulties, the report notes a “positive evolution” in recent decades “with increased national adoption of sport thanks to factors such as regulatory reforms and investment in infrastructure”, but still far from the European average in most countries. indicators.

“Portuguese governments have failed to place sport on the political agenda and enhance its socio-economic impact, which goes far beyond health benefits,” the summary says.

Thus, the alarming situation shown in the report calls for leading “cultural change and engaging the entire society in recognizing the importance of sport at all levels.”

“[Para isso] sports system partners should improve their strategic alignment and take concerted action,” the report notes.

By identifying six priority areas, which are themselves divided into more than a dozen recommendations, a “comprehensive end-to-end catalyst” is required, which includes, among other things, the development of a National Sports Strategy.

This should “connect all its aspects, improving coordination among stakeholders and enhancing its relevance to the political agenda”, promoting a sector that should be “sustainable” and whose decisions are based on evidence.

Increasing the funding channeled to the sector, with the link between “government funding and sporting success”, reducing bureaucracy and efficient resource management are the consultant’s comments in this area.

Professionalizing the sector, sustainability, increasing physical activity, promoting sports in the education system and in the social inclusion system, promoting the digital transition and linking with the scientific and academic sector are other recommendations, also keeping in mind the issues of social responsibility and honesty.

The first part of the study, presented in July 2021, noted the loss of 16,000 jobs, 3,100 clubs and 595 million euros in this sector due to the impact of the covid-19 pandemic, with a decrease in the number of practitioners by 110,000, with only partially compensate for the damage.

The President of the Constitutional Court calls for a change in the state policy on sports

The President of the Portuguese Olympic Committee (COP) asks in an interview with Lusa to change the paradigm of public policy and investment in sports in the country in order to counter the “unfavorable situation” in this sector.

José Manuel Constantino spoke to Lusa about the second part of a study commissioned by COP, the Portuguese Paralympic Committee (CPP) and the Portuguese Sports Confederation (CdP), on the state of the industry in Portugal compared to other European countries and after the covid-19 pandemic.

“[O estudo é] confirmation that there is a huge imbalance in the amount of public investment in sport between what is practiced in Portugal and what is predicted in most of the European countries in which the comparative study was carried out,” he emphasizes.

According to the director, this “more comprehensive and in-depth work” in the second part by PricewaterhouseCoopers “clearly reflects the underfunding from a public point of view that the sports sector in Portugal has.”

“The study gives a picture of the situation and offers a number of suggestions on how we can restore the distance we have with most European countries. This will, of course, depend on public policy. […] This is a challenge to public policy,” he adds.

Moreover, the SC is ready to continue to submit proposals to the country, in particular “those who are responsible for governance”, and to cooperate in the search for a new strategy and path for the development of national sports.

Among the topics that José Manuel Constantino lists for “increasing the degree of competitiveness not only externally but also internally” are expanding the base of practitioners and strengthening the associative fabric, among other things, to “implement reforms in the sports system that can help it grow and develop” .

“When we say that a strategy is needed, we are not talking about a special plan, special plans that we had in the past, and, unfortunately, they are in the drawers of departments. In terms of path. We are fully prepared to continue cooperation,” he notes.

From political power, he hopes that she will look at the study presented today and “make an assessment that she understands and can extract some consequences”, because “it is not enough to do more of the same, we need to do more and differently.” “.

“This is what the study points to and suggests. […] This is not about maintaining the line of succession, but about changing it, and if we want a significant leap, as envisaged in the government’s program, then in 10 years to bring Portugal into the 15 most active European countries in terms of sports,” he comments.

The Portuguese sports sector is in need of a “structural cultural change”, according to the second part of the report released today.

The document emphasizes the desire to “carry out structural cultural changes” towards “a society that recognizes the social and economic importance of sport and regularly engages in physical and sporting activities.”

In particular, the problems of the Portuguese sports system are numerous and have several “long-standing structural vulnerabilities”.

A “poor funding structure” with underfunding and heavy reliance on the public sector “by local authorities”, as well as the “short” cost of the central government and gambling, betting operators and other arrangements, exposes the sector to difficulties.

Thus, the alarming situation referred to in the report calls for leading “cultural change and engaging the entire society in recognizing the importance of sport at all levels.”

Increasing funding directed to this sector, with a link between “government funding and sporting success”, reducing bureaucracy and efficient resource management are some of the consultant’s comments in this area.