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Porto Stripped of Champions League Berth

by Richard Lewington

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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.

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