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Benfica Pays EUR34.4 Million to Sacked Manager

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Friday, February 27th 2026 at 10:46 GMT by RTE Online
      Locales: PORTUGAL, UNITED KINGDOM

Lisbon, Portugal - February 27th, 2026 - Benfica's recent managerial shakeup has come at a hefty price, revealed in a stock exchange filing today. The Portuguese giants have confirmed a EUR34.4 million compensation package paid to outgoing manager Roger Schmidt and his coaching staff, a significant financial burden as the club attempts to reignite their Liga Portugal title challenge. The dismissal, triggered by a string of underwhelming performances and increasingly vocal fan discontent, paved the way for the return of Axel Amorim, previously sacked by fierce rivals Sporting Lisbon just last month.

Schmidt's tenure, while initially promising, ultimately succumbed to pressure. Benfica currently sit in third place in Liga Portugal, a disappointing ten points adrift of league leaders Sporting Lisbon. This gap, combined with a perceived lack of tactical flexibility and a growing disconnect with the fanbase, forced the club's hand. The decision, however, wasn't taken lightly, as the EUR34.4 million payout demonstrates the financial commitment Benfica had made to the German coach and the cost of admitting the venture hadn't yielded the desired results.

But the financial implications extend beyond simply compensating Schmidt. Benfica is now investing heavily in Amorim, hoping he can immediately galvanize the squad and close the gap on Sporting. Amorim's previous spell at Benfica was marked by a period of relative success, establishing him as a promising young manager. His subsequent move to Sporting, though ultimately ending in dismissal, further highlighted his tactical acumen and potential - qualities Benfica are clearly banking on.

The circumstances surrounding Amorim's sacking from Sporting Lisbon last month are now under intense scrutiny. While details remain somewhat opaque, reports suggested a clash of philosophies with the Sporting board regarding player recruitment and long-term strategy. This suggests Amorim is a manager with strong convictions and a clear vision, potentially aligning well with Benfica's ambition to build a sustainable winning team. Some analysts speculate that Sporting's loss is definitively Benfica's gain, particularly given the fierce rivalry between the two clubs. The irony of Benfica recruiting the manager they watched Sporting dismiss just weeks prior is not lost on Portuguese football fans.

The immediate challenge for Amorim is to address Benfica's inconsistent form. Despite possessing a squad brimming with talent - including rising stars like Joao Neves and veteran campaigners like Nicolas Otamendi - Benfica has struggled to maintain a consistent level of performance. Defensive vulnerabilities and a reliance on individual brilliance rather than cohesive team play have been recurring themes. Amorim's tactical prowess will be crucial in shoring up the defense and implementing a more fluid, attacking style.

Beyond the on-field performance, Benfica faces a broader strategic challenge. The financial outlay for Schmidt's dismissal raises questions about the club's long-term financial sustainability. While Benfica is a financially stable club, the EUR34.4 million payout is a substantial sum that could impact future transfer activity or infrastructure investments. The board will likely be keen to ensure a return on their investment in Amorim, both in terms of league position and potential European success.

Furthermore, the appointment of Amorim sets up a compelling narrative for the remainder of the Liga Portugal season. The rivalry between Benfica and Sporting Lisbon is already fiercely contested, but Amorim's presence adds another layer of intrigue. Can he lead Benfica to victory against his former employers? Will Sporting Lisbon regret their decision to dismiss him? These are questions that will undoubtedly dominate Portuguese football headlines in the coming months.

The club's decision represents a high-stakes gamble. They've paid a significant premium to remove a manager who, while underperforming, was still relatively well-regarded. Now, all eyes are on Axel Amorim to deliver results - and justify Benfica's substantial financial investment. The pressure is immense, but if Amorim can successfully transform Benfica's fortunes, the EUR34.4 million price tag might ultimately prove to be a worthwhile expenditure.