Porto face Arouca despite calling Liga decision “political” and “illegal” | OneFootball

FC Porto announced this Thursday that they will participate in the match against Arouca, scheduled for September 29, although they have strongly criticized the League's decision regarding the scheduling of the game.

In a statement, the Dragons lament that «Liga Portugal decided to maintain the political decision to force FC Porto to play three games in the same week, taking away a day of rest from the club before a European game that precedes the classic against SL Benfica».

The blue and whites state that they will not contest the match as they have acted with a «sense of responsibility».

It should be noted that the change of the Arouca-FC Porto match (7th round of the League) from September 28 to September 29 was due to the Harvest Fair taking place over the weekend in Serra da Freita.

The municipality, in collaboration with Civil Protection, concluded that the safety conditions were not met to hold the game simultaneously with the fair.

The full statement from FC Porto

FC Porto confirms participation in the game in Arouca Following the postponement of the game in Arouca, of the seventh round of the championship, FC Porto informs that: 1. On September 19, after Liga Portugal made the unilateral decision to change the date of the game, the Club filed a formal complaint with Liga Portugal, arguing that such a decision blatantly violates the Competition Regulations organized by Liga Portugal; 2. On the same day, Liga Portugal notified FC Porto that it had decided to maintain its decision, arguing that the Competition Regulations grant Liga Portugal, in the circumstances in question, the “discretionary power” to set a new date for the match in question; 3. Although there were calendar alternatives available that would adequately protect the legitimate interests of the parties involved, and despite being given the opportunity to backtrack and enforce legality, Liga Portugal decided to maintain the political decision to force FC Porto to play three games in the same week, taking away a day of rest from the Club before a European game that precedes the classic against SL Benfica; 4. FC Porto reiterates that Liga Portugal's decision is manifestly illegal, as it violates the Competition Regulations which, expressly and without any doubt, prevent the rescheduling of a match for the 30 hours following situations where one of the clubs has to play an official UEFA competition game the following week; 5. Without prejudice to its right to contest Liga Portugal's decision, FC Porto hereby confirms its participation in the match on the newly scheduled date (September 29, 8:00 PM). This position is taken with a sense of responsibility, as the uncertainty that would result from filing a precautionary measure – which would leave the team not knowing when they would play, as this would depend on the timing of decisions by the competent authorities – would cause even greater harm to sports planning; 6. However, we must point out that this decision by Liga Portugal is highly detrimental, not only to the legitimate interests of FC Porto but also to the credibility and the very interests of Portuguese football, which are seriously compromised. Nevertheless, we are certain that our fans, despite the match being held on a weekday and in Arouca, will know how to rally around the team and show up in large numbers, demonstrating once again our strength and unwavering commitment in defense of FC Porto.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.