The Disciplinary Council has opened proceedings, but in the worst-case scenario for Porto, it could only impose fines and, in an extreme case, ban the Dragão Arena. A source from the Alvalade club confirms a request for a meeting with the Minister, but no other measures are known despite the accusations.
The incidents before the handball match between FC Porto and Sporting continue to cause enormous controversy, with the Alvalade club confirming that it has already formally requested a meeting with Minister Margarida Balseiro Lopes. This is in light of the events that occurred in recent matches against FC Porto, namely those of last weekend’s classic match at the Dragão Arena, which Sporting won 30-33, but without anyone specifying what kind of intervention they expect from the authorities.
The consequences of the case, if there are any grounds for them, will depend on the next steps taken by Sporting and what can be proven.
On the same day, the management of the Portuguese Handball Federation (FAP) submitted a report to the Disciplinary Council, which will now hear from all parties involved, entities present at the scene, and request any existing reports before making a decision, but never before a month. Even so, it should be remembered that the scope of intervention will always be disciplinary, which, in the worst possible scenario for Porto, if it is proven, for example, that someone from the club had intervened in a way that harmed Sporting, will lead to fines and the possible closure of the Dragão Arena.
Smells toxic and “sleeping”
The classic match, which was considered a high-risk game, had its start delayed by about 20 minutes after Ricardo Costa, Sporting’s coach, and pivot Christhian Moga required medical assistance, following reports from Sporting officials of an intoxicating and “sleeping” odor in the locker room. The two match officials confirmed the presence of the strong smell, but decided to proceed with the game, without the coach and the player participating.
Sporting played under protest, but did not formalize it, and although they have three working days to do so, it is most likely that they will not proceed, since this could determine the replay of the game and, remember, the victory was a giant step towards winning the three-peat.
Meanwhile, FC Porto quickly denied Sporting’s version in a statement, considering the accusations “serious, abusive and totally devoid of any foundation”.
