FC Porto readmitted into Europe

Uefa Appeal Board overturns Champions League ban

The Uefa Appeals Board has overturned the decision by the organisation’s Disciplinary Committee to ban FC Porto from next season’s Champions League.

The decision to kick the Dragons out of Europe was based on the fact the club was found guilty of corruption charges by the Portuguese Football Disciplinary Committee.

However, the Appeals Board has raised doubts about the legitimacy of the sentence and also stated that Benfica and Guimaraes, who stand to gain from Porto’s expulsion, should have been given an audience.

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The confusing situation is far from over but FC Porto will be delighted that, as it stands, they will now be able to compete in next season’s Champions League.

“I confirm that the decision of 4 June has been annulled. FC Porto are in the Champions League,” said Porto Director, Adelino Caldeira, upon emerging from the UEFA headquarters, while admitting the case will continue.

“I don’t consider this a success. The process will continue, it will take more time, but for all intents and purposes, the national champions are in next season’s Champions League, which is a normal situation.”