Referees’ body responds to Veríssimo’s Porto v Braga claims: “Enough” | OneFootball

The Portuguese Football Referees Association (APAF) issued a strong statement after the Disciplinary Council of the Portuguese Football Federation confirmed the initiation of disciplinary proceedings against FC Porto, following Fábio Veríssimo's allegations of pressure experienced during the match with SC Braga.

In a note sent to the press, APAF states that it is urgent to end the climate of instability and announces that it will request meetings with the FPF, Liga Portugal, and the Government to define measures.

«The time has come to say ENOUGH!!! Portuguese football must put an end to the pressure and intimidation of referees; it cannot continue to live submerged in a climate of fear and suspicion. We have long noted an escalation in the number of episodes of pressure on referees, with the most recent occurring in the FC Porto – SC Braga match. Given the seriousness of the events, we demand that the competent authorities act immediately, with total transparency, and that exemplary measures be applied to all involved. We will not remain silent in the face of another episode of disrespect and impunity. We will not accept lengthy investigations, complicit silences, or merely political decisions. The current climate in Portuguese football is toxic and unsustainable. We cannot continue to try to solve the problems of Portuguese football with regulations that, approved by the Clubs, are incapable of effectively and exemplarily punishing unacceptable behavior in modern football. The current climate in Portuguese football is unsustainable and requires swift investigations and truly effective decisions, as well as the involvement of the refereeing sector in the inevitable regulatory changes that are already required for the next season. Day after day, we witness public attacks, defamation campaigns, and inflammatory speeches against refereeing, most often promoted by those who should set an example. In the face of this culture of intimidation, refereeing cannot remain silent and is prepared to fight, by all means, for concrete measures that ensure the protection of the sector against the successive disrespect from those who should have the mission to protect the game and all its protagonists. APAF will urgently request meetings with the FPF, Liga Portugal, and the Government to demand an active role in the necessary regulatory changes», wrote APAF in a statement sent to the press.

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