UEFA have decided to ban FC Porto from all European Competitions for a period of one year as a result of the Apito Final (Final Whistle) case...

The Dragons had been found guilty of fixing two league matches in the 2003/04 season and UEFA were investigating the case to decide whether to bring any sanction against the Portuguese champions.

UEFA have now decided to apply a one-year ban, which will see Porto missing out on European football next year.

According to Article 1 of the Champions League regulations, a club "must not be or have been involved in any activity aimed at arranging or influencing the outcome of a match at national or international level."

News sources in Portugal claim that FC Porto have already informed the Portuguese Stock Exchange of UEFA's decision and that the Dragons will appeal against the ban.

Porto hope that this case will have a similar ending of Milan's in 2006. After originally being barred because of a corruption investigation, the Rossoneri won the right to play in the Champions League after an appeal.

In case Porto lose their appeal, fourth-placed Benfica are expected to win the right to play in the Champions League third qualifying phase.

Luis Mira

Source : Goal.com 

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