BOAVISTA’S historic Estadio do Bessa has been put up for sale after the former Champions League club went bankrupt.
The esteemed Portuguese stadium has a 115-year history that saw it hosting some major competitions, such as 2004.
Boavista’s historic Estadio do Bessa has been put up for sale Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Boavista went bankrupt due to their debt that sees them owing north of £130m
However, the ground and its adjacent sports complex was due to the club’s mounting debt.
The imminent sale is directly linked to ‘s crippling financial problems that see them owing north of £130million and the city of has decided not to interfere in the process.
That level of debt led to the club’s formal decision to liquidate assets in September in order to limit losses and restore order to the their finances.
The former Primeira Liga giants’ assets have been divided into two main parts that can be sold either separately or as a package.
The stadium has been valued at £27m, while the adjacent complex has a starting price of £5.9m.
Whoever buys the venue will have to either pay to get it restructured so that it can host events again or demolish it, pending local government approval.
The ongoing drama has led to intense backlash with former Boavista president Joao Loureiro publicly calling for an intervention, while support groups announced plans to pursue legal action aimed at blocking the sale.
The 28,263-capacity ground was redeveloped almost 22 years ago and the venue has approximately 78,000m² of total floor space as it spans 11 levels.
Boavista’s last ever match was played at the Estadio do Bessa in May 2025 and subsequently shut down due to safety issues the club couldn’t afford to fix.
The club was administratively relegated and now operates at regional level, with some competitions skipped due to financial reasons.
Throughout its long and glittering history the stadium has hosted a total of six Champions League matches against the likes of , and Borussia Dortmund.
It also played a critical role in the 2002-3 season that saw Boavista making it to the Uefa Cup semi-finals that saw them getting eliminated by .
And a total of three group matches emanated at Estadio do Bessa during Euro 2004.
Latvia and played out a goalless draw, Denmark and Sweden drew 2-2 and eventual winners Greece picked up an important 1-1 tie with .
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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