FC Porto says Dragão photographers’ pledge complies with Press Law | OneFootball

FC Porto insists its requirement for photojournalists to sign a responsibility term at Estádio do Dragão does not breach the Press Law or the Journalist Statute, after the national union condemned the move.

According to O Jogo, the club maintains the document respects legal, ethical and deontological standards and is not intended to censor professionals or media outlets.

The Sindicato dos Jornalistas urged photographers to reject the club's impositions and described the document as inadmissible, arguing that holders of the Professional Journalist Card are already bound by law and their code, and that the card should be enough for accreditation at public events.

Porto says it only accredits photographers who are qualified journalists with a Professional Card and working for recognised news organisations.

It presents the measure as a response to cases in which some accredited photographers pursue commercial activity, such as selling images to third parties or carrying out unauthorised transmissions or streaming, which the club says stray from the purely editorial purpose that justifies accreditation.

The union counters that reporters do not need a club or any institution to demand a written pledge to obey rules they already follow.

Porto argues the term clarifies duties, protects legitimate journalism and ensures accreditation is used solely for editorial ends, adding that it does not restrict the profession.

The club also calls it common practice, citing UEFA, ACP and WRC, organisers of Rally de Portugal, and believes newsrooms and professionals will welcome it as a contribution to the quality, rigour and integrity of sports photography.

Source: O Jogo