Benfica Seeks Sanctions Against FC Porto Following ‘Email Case’ Ruling
LISBON, Portugal – Benfica has formally requested the Portuguese Football Federation’s Disciplinary Council to clarify potential sporting consequences for FC Porto following the conclusive Supreme Court of Justice ruling in the long-running “email case.” The request, issued in a statement by the Lisbon-based club, centers on the fallout from accusations stemming from illicitly obtained and manipulated private communications, which the court deemed false and damaging to the integrity of Portuguese football.
The case, originating in 2017, revolves around the alleged disclosure of private Benfica emails by FC Porto through its television channel, Porto Canal. The Supreme Court’s final judgment, delivered on January 16, 2026, upheld a conviction against FC Porto SAD, Porto Canal, and Francisco J. Marques, the club’s former communications director. FC Porto was ordered to pay €605,000 in damages to Benfica, while Marques received a suspended sentence for violating correspondence laws and offenses against a legal entity. This ruling effectively closes a legal battle that initially saw Benfica claim €17.7 million in damages.
A History of Appeals and Finality
The path to this final decision was lengthy and complex. Initially, a lower court ordered FC Porto to pay approximately €1.9 million, a sum later reduced to €1.6 million by the Court of Appeal. The Supreme Court of Justice ultimately settled on the €605,000 figure, while similarly overturning a previous ruling that required FC Porto to pay for “non-pecuniary damages” – relating to reputational harm – and revoked a €500,000 monetary sanction. Despite the Supreme Court’s decision, both clubs appealed to the Constitutional Court, alleging unconstitutionality, but that appeal was rejected, solidifying the Supreme Court’s judgment.
According to a report submitted by FC Porto to the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM), the Constitutional Court’s rejection of the final appeal on January 16th brought the case to a definitive end. The club stated that, beyond the €605,300.90 in damages, plus accrued interest and legal costs, it anticipates no further material impact on its consolidated accounts.
Benfica’s Frustration with Disciplinary Council Inaction
While the civil case has concluded, Benfica is now pressing for action on the sporting side. The club’s statement highlights its frustration with the Disciplinary Council, which opened a case on the matter in late 2017 but has made no discernible progress in over eight and a half years. Benfica is urging the council to “set out, unequivocally and without delay, any consequences and sporting sanctions to be applied to FC Porto SAD.”
This push for sporting sanctions suggests Benfica believes FC Porto’s actions not only caused financial and reputational harm but also violated principles of fair play and sporting integrity. The specific sanctions Benfica is seeking remain undisclosed, but could potentially range from fines to points deductions, or even restrictions on participation in future competitions. It’s important to note that the Disciplinary Council’s powers are limited to sporting matters, and the financial compensation already awarded to Benfica addresses the civil aspects of the case.
The ‘Apito Dourado’ Context
This case unfolds against a backdrop of historical controversies in Portuguese football. The “email case” echoes past scandals, most notably the “Apito Dourado” (Golden Whistle) affair, which emerged in 2004 and involved allegations of referee corruption. That scandal implicated several prominent figures, including then-FC Porto chairman Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa, and raised serious questions about the impartiality of officiating. While the “Apito Dourado” case was separate, it contributed to a climate of distrust and suspicion within Portuguese football.
The current situation with the “email case” underscores the ongoing challenges facing Portuguese football in maintaining transparency and accountability. The lengthy legal battle and the perceived lack of swift action by the Disciplinary Council have fueled criticism and calls for reform.
What’s Next?
The immediate next step is for the Portuguese Football Federation’s Disciplinary Council to respond to Benfica’s request. The timeline for a decision is uncertain, but Benfica has made it clear it expects a prompt and decisive response. The outcome of this process could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future and could have significant implications for the competitive landscape of Portuguese football. Archysport will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as they become available.
Fans on both sides of the rivalry will be watching closely, eager to see how the Federation addresses this contentious issue and whether any sporting sanctions will be imposed on FC Porto.
