TAD annuls Benfica fine over Porto Clássico, cites lack of proof and visitor status | OneFootball

The Tribunal Arbitral do Desporto annulled a 5,740 euros fine issued to Benfica over incidents during the Clássico at the Dragão in October 2025, delivering a unanimous ruling.

According to Glorioso 1904, the appeal was upheld in full, the Disciplinary Council’s sanction was quashed, and the Federação Portuguesa de Futebol was ordered to pay all case costs.

The arbitral panel found Benfica SAD, as the visiting club, could not be held responsible. It said Benfica was not the organiser of the sporting event and had no control over access, stay or surveillance, duties that fall to the home club and the security forces.

A decisive factor was the absence of identified participants in the clashes. The decision noted no evidence that those involved were members, registered supporters or otherwise associated with Benfica SAD.

The tribunal recorded that Benfica complied with regulations by being accompanied by its Director of Security and its Supporter Liaison Officer. It also concluded the club was unaware of the disagreement while the match was ongoing, removing grounds for attributing responsibility.

The panel rejected liability based on presumptions without concrete proof of culpable conduct. It said sanctioning in such circumstances would impose a diabolical burden of proof and run counter to the presumption of innocence.

Source: Glorioso 1904

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