Benfica spark referee controversy ahead of Super Cup final

Benfica and Sporting will face off this Thursday for the first trophy of the 2025/26 season. The two teams meet in the Portuguese Super Cup final following impressive campaigns last season, particularly for the Green and Whites.

For Benfica, the match may already be underway off the pitch. The Eagles have already voiced concerns about the refereeing appointment for the final.

With just over 48 hours until kick-off, Benfica released a statement on their social media channels regarding Fabio Verissimo, who will officiate the match against Sporting Lisbon on Thursday.

Here is the statement from Benfica:

Four key points concerning the season's opening official match:

1. The referee chosen to officiate the Super Cup, Fabio Verissimo, was ranked fourth last season among the 24 referees in the Primeira Liga.

2. Last season, Fabio Verissimo officiated Sporting Lisbon six times, more than any other team. His controversial errors in Famalicao and Vila das Aves, which benefited Sporting Lisbon, drew significant criticism.

3. He only refereed Benfica twice, and they lost both of those matches.

4. Fabio Verissimo was the referee for the Sporting Lisbon vs Benfica derby and failed to spot a clear penalty on Leandro Barreiro.