UEFA’s Control and Disciplinary Body has stripped Portuguese champions Porto FC of their place in next season’s Champions League over alleged bribery of referees during the 2003/04 season. UEFA cited Article 1.04 (d) of the 2008/09 UEFA Champions League regulations (available via this PDF) in their decision. The article states that to be eligible to take part in the competition a club must, among other things, not be or have been involved in any activity aimed at arranging or influencing the outcome of a match at national or international level.
The allegations relate to Porto’s 2-0 win against Estrela da Amadora and their 0-0 draw with Beira Mar. Porto won their domestic title and the Champions League in 2003/04 under their former coach Jose Mourinho, who has not been mentioned in any allegations.
Porto have already confirmed they will appeal against UEFA’s decision.
Related posts:
- Wembley Celebrates Champions League With New ‘Exhibition of Champions’
- Is the UEFA Europa League the Poor Cousin of the Champions League?
- Champions League Heading Towards the Knock-Outs
- Champions League Matchday 4 Preview: Biggest European Clubs Struggling in Group Stages
- UEFA Champions League Group Stage Draw: Complete Details
Lovely behavior from a top-tier team in a second-class league. Good riddance.
http://startingeleven.blogspot.com/2008/06/bann…
Lovely behavior from a top-tier team in a second-class league. Good riddance.
http://startingeleven.blogspot.com/2008/06/banned-fc-porto-out-of-champions-league.html