Porto face UEFA ban
2003/04 Champions League winners FC Porto could be banned from next season’s competition by UEFA.
The Portuguese league champions were deducted six points this season following investigation into the referee bribery scandal in 2003/04 season.
The deduction of points had no effect on the Portuguese League standings as Porto had already won the league title by a massive 20 points. But now the Dragões face expulsion from the Champions League next season. As a result of the ruling, UEFA were reported to be considering kicking out Porto if their name was put forward by the Portuguese League.
AC Milan were initially barred in 2006-07 because of an Italian corruption investigation, but won the right to play after an appeal. They went on to win the Champions League that season.
If allowed to play, Porto would be joined by Sporting Lisbon in the first round of the Champions League, with third-place Guimaraes entering in the third qualifying round. If Porto are excluded, fourth-place Benfica likely would gain a Champions League berth.