Portuguese football officiating faces a sweeping criminal investigation by the Polícia Judiciária (PJ) following allegations of match-fixing, financial inducements, and institutional pressure, according to reports by the “Correio da Manhã.” The probe was triggered by the late-June resignation of Duarte Gomes, who stepped down as national technical director of refereeing after uncovering what he termed matters of “great institutional gravity.”
PJ Investigation and Seized Devices
Investigators from the Polícia Judiciária have seized mobile phones from multiple referees after hearing formal testimonies. According to the “Correio da Manhã,” forensic extraction of data from these devices has revealed evidence suggesting that bribes reaching €1 million may have been offered to refereeing officials in exchange for favoring specific clubs.
The seized communications point to concrete instances of external influence on match officials. Among the scrutinized fixtures is a Taça de Portugal clash between FC Porto and Benfica. Text messages reviewed by authorities indicate that FC Porto attempted to prevent referee Fábio Veríssimo from handling the derby.
Did you know? Duarte Gomes stepped down as national technical director of refereeing in late June, citing a loss of institutional trust after reviewing evidence regarding match-fixing allegations.
FC Porto and Estrela da Amadora Responses
FC Porto addressed the controversy through an official statement, describing Veríssimo’s appointment as “incomprehensible,” “imprudent,” and “unnecessarily risky” due to pending disciplinary processes involving the referee and the club. However, the club emphasized that it “does not appoint referees” and “does not interfere in the decisions of the Conselho de Arbitragem.” Porto maintained that it expressed its institutional surprise publicly at the time, denying any “hidden action, clandestine pressure, or interference.”
The investigation also examined potential links involving Estrela da Amadora and Paulo Lopo, who was recently honored by the Federação Portuguesa de Futebol (FPF) upon stepping down as president of the Reboleira club’s SAD. Leaked conversations suggest that referee Hélder Malheiro was allegedly promised an extra season in the I Liga if he favored Estrela da Amadora. When Malheiro confronted Luciano Gonçalves about the offer, Gonçalves allegedly confirmed it, according to the “Correio da Manhã.”
Prior Disciplinary Reviews and Whistleblower Actions
The Conselho de Justiça of the FPF previously reviewed allegations concerning whether Luciano Gonçalves leaked advanced referee appointments to Estrela da Amadora during the club’s battle against relegation. That body ultimately voted to archive the case due to insufficient evidence.
The current criminal inquiry gained momentum when Hélder Malheiro learned of his appointment to an Estrela da Amadora fixture from an external source close to the club rather than through official channels. Malheiro reported the leak directly to Duarte Gomes.
In an interview with RTP, Gomes detailed his departure. “I did a set of diligences to be calm and clarified in relation to things that happened, which I considered of great institutional gravity,” Gomes told the public broadcaster. “After that set of diligences, not only did I not recover my tranquility, but I deepened my doubts and fears.” Gomes has since turned over all concerning material to the judicial authorities to determine potential criminal liability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Duarte Gomes resign from the FPF?
Duarte Gomes resigned as national technical director of refereeing in late June after investigating factual evidence of institutional pressure and irregularities in match officiating that he found professionally unacceptable.
What is the Polícia Judiciária investigating in Portuguese football?
According to the “Correio da Manhã,” the PJ is investigating allegations of bribery, coercion, and financial inducements reaching up to €1 million aimed at influencing refereeing decisions in Portuguese professional football.
How did FC Porto respond to allegations regarding referee appointments?
FC Porto released a statement denying any clandestine interference in referee appointments, though the club maintained that assigning Fábio Veríssimo to a high-profile fixture was imprudent given prior unresolved disputes.
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