Éder, 36, was co-opted into the Gomes-led executive, when Pedro Dias's appointment as Secretary of State for Sport resulted in the elevation of Júlio Vieira, the former president of the Leiria association, to the position of permanent member.

The FPF made these announcements in a statement after Pedro Dias resigned and was sworn in as Luís Montenegro's new prime minister.

“In view of this resignation, first deputy Júlio Vieira will become a full member of the board", the organisation stated, adding that "vice-president José Couceiro and deputy Hélder Postiga will be responsible, in addition to their existing duties, for monitoring and developing futsal, in close collaboration with technical director and national coach Jorge Braz".

Éder joins the FPF management team following a career that included playing for Tourizense, Académica, Sporting de Braga, Swansea, Lille, and Lokomotiv Moscow. Éder hasn't played since his experience with Al-Raed in Saudi Arabia in 2021/22.

Éder had 35 appearances for the national team, scoring four goals in addition to the game-winning goal he scored in the 109th minute against hosts France in the Euro2016 final, which gave Portugal their first-ever victory in the European Championship.

“Fernando Gomes, president of the FPF, also decided to co-opt Portuguese international Éder António Macedo Lopes to the board, with the role of monitoring the national training teams (men's and women's football) and the FPF's social intervention area,” the group said.

Author

A passionate Irish journalist with a love for cycling, politics and of course Portugal especially their sausage rolls.

Rory Mc Ginn