1º Dezembro to play 160 kilometers away from home in the Liga 3
In yet another one of those cases that causes (a lot of) confusion in Portuguese football, 1º Dezembro, a club from Sintra that will make its debut in Liga 3 this year, has announced that it will play… 160 kilometers away from home in the 2023/24 season.
Unable to meet the requirements to host matches of the competition organized by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) at their usual stadium (Campo Conde de Sucena), this century-old emblem of Sintra will have Ponte de Sor as its borrowed home for Liga 3.
The club explained in a statement that “after several attempts to find a field with the required conditions for Liga 3, the Municipal Stadium of Ponte de Sor was the best solution found.”
The Municipal Stadium, which is the usual home of Eléctrico, a club from Ponte de Sor that plays in the Portalegre District League, will now become the home of 1º Dezembro… despite being 160 kilometers away from Sintra.
This decision has raised eyebrows and sparked debate among football fans, as it is highly unusual for a team to play its home matches so far away from its actual home. However, 1º Dezembro seems to have no other option at the moment and will have to adapt to this new reality.
It remains to be seen how this arrangement will affect the team’s performance and fan support, as playing so far away from home can have a significant impact on both players and supporters.
Nevertheless, 1º Dezembro is determined to make the best of the situation and continue its journey in Liga 3. The club will have to face the challenges of playing in a different city and stadium, but they are hopeful that their fans will continue to support them, even from a distance.
As the 2023/24 season approaches, all eyes will be on 1º Dezembro and their new “home” in Ponte de Sor. Football fans will be curious to see how the team adapts to this unusual situation and whether they can overcome the obstacles that come with playing so far away from their actual home.
Only time will tell if this decision will prove to be a successful one for 1º Dezembro or if it will further contribute to the confusion that often surrounds Portuguese football.
How do smaller clubs in Portuguese football struggle to meet the necessary standards while maintaining a sustainable financial model
Nized by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), 1º Dezembro will have to relocate to another city. The chosen location is Estoril, a municipality located approximately 160 kilometers away from Sintra.
The decision has sparked criticism and astonishment among the fans and local community. The club’s supporters are concerned about the impact this will have on the team’s performance, as well as the logistical challenges it will pose for the players and coaching staff.
Playing so far from home means that 1º Dezembro will face extensive traveling times and expenses. Additionally, the lack of a home ground could affect the team’s morale, as the sense of belonging and support from their fans will not be present during the matches.
This situation raises questions about the criteria used by the FPF to determine the hosting requirements for Liga 3. It also brings into focus the difficulties faced by smaller clubs in Portuguese football, as they struggle to meet the necessary standards while maintaining a sustainable financial model.
Nevertheless, 1º Dezembro is determined to face this challenge head-on and make the best out of the situation. The club’s management is working closely with the FPF to find a long-term solution that allows them to play their home matches in Sintra.
In the meantime, the team will have to adapt to their new surroundings in Estoril. They will need to establish new relationships with the local community and try to gather support from the fans in the neighboring region.
Despite the hurdles they face, 1º Dezembro remains optimistic about their future in Liga 3. They are committed to showcasing their potential and proving that they belong in the competition, regardless of where they have to play their home matches.
It remains to be seen how this situation will unfold and what impact it will have on 1º Dezembro’s performance in the upcoming season. One thing is certain, though - their determination and resilience in the face of adversity will be put to the test.
Wow, that’s quite a distance for 1º Dezembro! Good luck to them in their new home ground.