Portugal’s football disciplinary authority has opened proceedings against leading club Benfica following its public criticism of refereeing standards after a September league match.
The Portuguese Football Federation’s Disciplinary Council initiated the disciplinary process against Benfica, SAD, the club’s corporate entity. The action stems from events after Benfica’s 2-1 victory over Gil Vicente on September 26.
Following that game, Benfica publicly challenged the Arbitration Council, urging it to “standardize” arbitration criteria. The club specifically contested the performance of referee João Gonçalves.
Benfica stated, “Sport Lisboa e Benfica once again challenges the Arbitration Council to standardize the criteria that govern the performance of referees.” The club highlighted a “duality of criteria” in officiating.
The statement also mentioned a disallowed goal in a previous game against Rio Ave and an uncalled foul on António Silva in the Gil Vicente match. Benfica asserted that “these actions, which have systematically prejudiced Benfica, cannot continue unpunished.”
This investigation highlights growing tensions between the prominent Portuguese club and the nation’s football governing bodies regarding officiating consistency.