European Football

Porto lose points in corruption case, Boavista relegated

16:48 BST, Fri 9 May 2008
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Porto's (L to R) Paulo Assuncao, Fucile and Lisandro Lopez celebrate after scoring against Maritimo during their Portuguese Premier League match in Funchal stadium February 15, 2008. REUTERS/Duarte Sa (PORTUGAL)

LISBON, May 9 (Reuters) - Porto will keep the Portuguese title after being stripped of six points for the alleged bribery of referees in the 2003/4 season while former champions Boavista have been relegated to the second division for similar offences.

Porto, who were 20 points clear of Sporting Lisbon before the punishment with a game left in the season, also had president Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa suspended for two years after a probe into two matches.

The decision was announced on Friday by Ricardo Costa, head of the Disciplinary Commission of the Professional Portuguese Football League, after a lengthy investigation known as "Apito Dourado," or Golden Whistle.

Costa said Boavista, who won the championship in 2001, were relegated to the second division after being involved in coercing referees in three matches in the 2003/4 season. Their former president, Joao Loureiro, was suspended for four years.

"These decisions were unanimous," Costa said in a televised press conference. "Five people agreed with the penalties to be applied."

Porto were fined 150,000 euros ($231,900) and Boavista 180,000 euros for the offences. Both sides have the right to appeal for the Justice Council of the Soccer Federation.

Porto wrapped up their third successive Portuguese title last month.

Jose Mourinho was the Porto coach in the 2003/4 season when his side won the Champions League and Portuguese title. His name has not been mentioned during the investigation.

The league did not say how Boavista's relegation would affect clubs already in the drop zone.

Uniao Leiria have been relegated while one of Pacos de Ferreira and Leixoes SC would join them in the second division depending on results in Sunday's final round of matches.

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