FC Porto criticises Benfica timing over disciplinary request in email case | OneFootball

Benfica have asked the Disciplinary Council of the Portuguese Football Federation for clarification on any potential sporting consequences for FC Porto following a court decision in the email case.

FC Porto said in a statement that the timing of Benfica’s move was questionable, argued it sought to refocus media attention on the issue, and pointed to unresolved concerns around fixture rescheduling in Portuguese football. The club added that Benfica’s stance offered little towards a serious debate about the game’s future.

Benfica’s communication arrived on the eve of the start of the preliminary hearing on Monday in case number 5340/17.7T9LSB at the Central Criminal Investigation Court in Lisbon.

In that case, Benfica has been accused by the Public Prosecutor of active corruption and tax fraud tied to alleged manipulation of results.

The court ruling cited by Benfica found the emails, and their contents, to be genuine, although their disclosure was deemed unlawful.

Source: O Jogo