Government urges sporting leaders to act responsibly after FC Porto and Sporting talks | OneFootball

The Portuguese government, through minister for culture, youth and sport Margarida Balseiro Lopes, met the FC Porto and Sporting presidents, André Villas-Boas and Frederico Varandas, on Wednesday after an incident at Saturday's handball derby at Dragão Arena. It urged responsible conduct from sports leaders and reaffirmed its commitment to a safe, responsible sport.

The government said in a statement that the case is being examined and stressed the impact of club officials' public interventions on society.

It reiterated its openness to continuous dialogue with key stakeholders, acknowledging the central role clubs play in promoting sport, developing young people and transmitting values.

On the situation under review, the executive is following the process in coordination with the Federação de Andebol de Portugal, while the competent disciplinary bodies carry out enquiries.

It underlined that assessing the facts and any eventual measures rests with the entities that hold the relevant powers, notably federations with public sporting utility that exercise regulatory and disciplinary authority under the law.

In parallel, the sports portfolio is preparing a set of structural measures, in conjunction with Administração Interna and with support from the Autoridade para a Prevenção e o Combate à Violência no Desporto, aimed at a safer, more inclusive and responsible sporting environment.

Source: O Jogo