Mon Mar 31, 1:47 PM ET
LISBON (AFP) - FC Porto have been formerly accused of match-fixing by the Portuguese league (LPFP), the former European Champions League winners said on Monday, with relegation to the second division and a heavy fine at stake.
Porto have been accused of fixing two Portuguese league matches in 2003/04, the same season they won the world's richest and highest-profile club competition.
The club said in a statement on their internet site: "FC Porto and their president Jorge Pinto da Costa have been notified by the LPFP of the accusations and investigations concerning matches between FC Porto and Estrela da Amadora, and Beira Mar and FC Porto."
A sporting source told AFP the accusations "referred to possible corruption of referees and, if they are found guilty, the club risks being demoted to the second division and paying a large fine."
Porto, who could also be docked three points from this season's league title race, have sent the accusations to their lawyers and the club has five days to submit a written reply. The LPFP will then rule if Porto are guilty or not.
Club president Jorge Pinto da Costa risks between a two- and 10-year ban for corruption, or between six months and two years for attempted corruption.
According to a well-informed source, the accusation has come after good collaboration between the disciplinary committee of the league and the country's legal system.
Last Tuesday, Porto prosecutors decided to take legal proceedings against Pinto da Costa, accused of bribing the referee of the Beira-Mar versus Porto game which finished in a draw.
The affair, which threatens to widen into something more substantial, initially came to light in April 2004 with numerous officials and referees coming under the spotlight.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080331...FHV3oAbRR2yLQF
LISBON (AFP) - FC Porto have been formerly accused of match-fixing by the Portuguese league (LPFP), the former European Champions League winners said on Monday, with relegation to the second division and a heavy fine at stake.
Porto have been accused of fixing two Portuguese league matches in 2003/04, the same season they won the world's richest and highest-profile club competition.
The club said in a statement on their internet site: "FC Porto and their president Jorge Pinto da Costa have been notified by the LPFP of the accusations and investigations concerning matches between FC Porto and Estrela da Amadora, and Beira Mar and FC Porto."
A sporting source told AFP the accusations "referred to possible corruption of referees and, if they are found guilty, the club risks being demoted to the second division and paying a large fine."
Porto, who could also be docked three points from this season's league title race, have sent the accusations to their lawyers and the club has five days to submit a written reply. The LPFP will then rule if Porto are guilty or not.
Club president Jorge Pinto da Costa risks between a two- and 10-year ban for corruption, or between six months and two years for attempted corruption.
According to a well-informed source, the accusation has come after good collaboration between the disciplinary committee of the league and the country's legal system.
Last Tuesday, Porto prosecutors decided to take legal proceedings against Pinto da Costa, accused of bribing the referee of the Beira-Mar versus Porto game which finished in a draw.
The affair, which threatens to widen into something more substantial, initially came to light in April 2004 with numerous officials and referees coming under the spotlight.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080331...FHV3oAbRR2yLQF
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