Rui Rodrigues wins Vitória SC presidency by two votes in a four-way race

The margin

Rui Rodrigues, the Lista D candidate, collected 2,028 votes (30.5%), while Viriato Sampaio of Lista C secured 2,026 votes (also 30.5%). The difference of two votes decided the leadership of the Portuguese top-flight club. A total of 6,642 members cast ballots at Pavilhão Desportivo Unidade Vimaranense, including 148 blank and 21 null votes.

Belmiro Pinto dos Santos (Lista A) was third, with most sources reporting 1,327 votes (20%), though one report listed 1,372. Júlio Vieira de Castro (Lista B) trailed with 1,092 votes (16.4%). Turnout reached 48.8% of the 13,611 eligible members, exceeding the 6,329 voters who participated in the March 2025 ballot that re-elected António Miguel Cardoso.

Reaction

It's one of the most historic moments for Vitória, without a doubt. With 2 votes you win, with 2 votes you lose.

The narrow result prompted an immediate recount request from Lista C. The lawyer Diogo Leite Ribeiro, who had been designated to represent the club at the Portuguese Professional Football League had that ticket won, approached the general assembly president João Henrique Faria to formalise the challenge. Rodrigues declined to comment on the request, instead sending a message to members.

We have a future and we are here to conquer it, within what was our programme.

The campaign that was

Rodrigues, a 47-year-old businessman and accountant, served as vice-president of the Fiscal Council from 2022 to 2024 and as board vice-president under the outgoing president António Miguel Cardoso since 2024. His campaign stressed "humanisation" of club operations and closer ties with the membership.

One of the great banners was humanisation and unity, which is a responsibility of the president and of the leadership. If I had won with 90% and lacked communication, I could also have problems. The issue of humanisation is fundamental.

Cardoso resigned on 14 April, triggering the snap election. Belmiro Pinto dos Santos, the third-placed candidate, said he was honoured to have reached every parish and share a vision for the club, adding that passion for Vitória unites all members regardless of the result.

Immediate priorities

Rodrigues now inherits a club where the financial condition of the SAD needs attention and the 2026/2027 sporting plan tops the agenda. Asked about the future of head coach Gil Lameiras, he signalled no rushed decision.

We have to start dealing with the season and, of course, then we'll have a conversation with Gil Lameiras.

João Henrique Faria, who presided over the electoral process, noted that the club's statutes ought to be revised, including the possibility of a second round when no candidate exceeds 50%.