Porto docked points, Boavista demoted

FC Porto will keep the Portuguese Liga title despite being stripped of six points for the alleged bribery of referees in the 2003/04 season while Boavista FC have been relegated to the second division for similar offences.

Investigation
Porto, who were 20 points clear of second-placed Sporting Clube de Portugal before the punishment, 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.

'Unanimous' decisions
Costa said Boavista, champions in 2001, were relegated to the second tier because of involvement in coercing referees in three games in the 2003/04 campaign. Their former president, João Loureiro, was suspended for four years. "These decisions were unanimous," said Costa in a televised press conference. "Five people agreed with the penalties to be applied."

Financial punishment
Porto were also fined Є150,000 and Boavista Є180,000 for the offences. Both sides have the right to appeal to the justice council of the Portuguese Football Federation. Porto wrapped up their third successive Portuguese title last month.

Relegation issue
The league did not say how Boavista's relegation would affect clubs already in the drop zone. UD Leiria are already demoted while one from FC Paços de Ferreira and Leixões SC will join them in the second division depending on results in Sunday's final round of matches.