- Sporting CP have begun talks to terminate Rui Borges’ contract after an inconsistent start that has left them third in Liga Portugal, nine points behind leaders Porto
- Tiago Fernandes will take interim charge, with Sporting due to face Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday
- Paulo Fonseca has reached an agreement with Sporting CP, although Rui Borges’ termination and Fonseca’s Lyon exit terms still need to be resolved
Sporting CP Begin Rui Borges Contract Termination Process
Sporting CP have confirmed that they have started the process of ending Rui Borges’ contract, with the club submitting a statement to Portugal’s Securities Market Commission (CMVM) on Sunday. The move comes despite the 45-year-old having guided the Lisbon side to the Portuguese league and cup double in 2024/25.
🔵🔴 Paulo Fonseca devrait être l’entraîneur du Sporting CP dans les prochains jours. Il reste encore des détails à régler entre les parties mais tout devrait entrer dans l’ordre dans les prochaines heures.
❌ 🇫🇷 Dans le sens des arrivées, le retour de Pierre Sage à l’OL est considéré comme impossible. #mercato
— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) November 1, 2026
Borges’ position has come under pressure following a shaky start to the season. Sporting are currently third in Liga Portugal and sit nine points behind league leaders Porto, a deficit that has made the defence of their domestic ambitions significantly more difficult.
The club said it is working towards finalising the coach’s departure and added that an announcement about a permanent successor will be made soon.
Tiago Fernandes Steps In Before Shakhtar Donetsk Test
With Borges’ exit process under way, Tiago Fernandes has been placed in temporary control of the first team. Fernandes, who oversees Sporting’s reserve side, is expected to lead the senior squad on an interim basis.
His first match in charge will come on Tuesday, when Sporting face Ukraine’s Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA Champions League. Sporting are also hoping, according to Foot Mercato, to complete the arrival of Paulo Fonseca in time for that European fixture.
Paulo Fonseca Agreement Reached, But Lyon Talks Still Required
Sportingpedia sources in France report that Paulo Fonseca, currently manager of Lyon, has reached an agreement with Sporting CP to take over at the Lisbon-based club.
However, Sporting still need to negotiate the termination of Borges’ contract before they can formally announce Fonseca. The club also remain without an agreement with Lyon over the terms of Fonseca’s departure, although Foot Mercato adds that Sporting are confident of completing the deal. The outlet states that the process should be straightforward because Fonseca’s Lyon contract expires in 2027.
After Lyon’s 2-0 home win against Angers on Sunday, Fonseca said he did not know whether he would finish the season in France. L’Equipe has reported that former Juventus manager Thiago Motta is the standout option to replace him at Lyon if he leaves.
Borges’ Sporting Tenure: Trophies, Europe and Domestic Setbacks
Borges joined Sporting in 2024 after the short-lived spell of João Pereira, who lasted just eight matches after replacing Rúben Amorim following his move to Manchester United.
In his first season, Borges delivered Liga Portugal and the Portuguese Cup, giving Sporting their first domestic double in 23 years. He also led the club through a historic UEFA Champions League campaign, reaching the quarterfinals for Sporting’s best performance in the competition.
His second campaign, however, brought setbacks. Sporting failed to defend the league title and were beaten in the Portuguese Cup final by Torreense, a second-division club.
Before taking charge at Sporting, Borges had coached Vitória de Guimarães, Moreirense and Nacional da Madeira.
