Portugal’s football disciplinary council has launched an inquiry into a top referee following a formal complaint from FC Porto alleging “persecutory behavior” and threats against club officials.
The Disciplinary Council (CD) of the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) opened the inquiry. It aims to “ascertain the disciplinary relevance of facts reported by FC Porto – Futebol SAD.”
Local reports indicated the inquiry is linked to FC Porto’s complaint against referee Fábio Veríssimo.
The council confirmed the process was sent to the Instructors’ Commission of Liga Portugal on November 29, 2025.
The investigation follows a public statement issued by FC Porto. The club made the statement after a controversial match against Sporting Braga.
That match and the preceding “television case” controversy resulted in separate disciplinary action against FC Porto.
FC Porto’s complaint states that after an earlier match against FC Arouca, referee Veríssimo threatened club officials with expulsions and other forms of intimidation in front of witnesses.
The club believes these alleged threats were then realized during the subsequent game against Sporting Braga.
FC Porto’s statement called for an explanation from Veríssimo. The club characterized his conduct as a breach of duties and “persecutory behavior.”
During the FC Porto-Sporting Braga match, Veríssimo, who is from Leiria, expelled FC Porto’s match delegate, Henrique Monteiro.