Portuguese prosecutors demand Benfica’s suspension from competitions. What’s behind it?

Benfica, one of the seven teams with a perfect start to this year’s Champions League, now finds itself facing serious allegations from the Portuguese prosecutor's office, which is pushing for the “Eagles” to be banned from competition.

Details: According to A Bola, the prosecution has charged Benfica with corruption and tax fraud. Specific incidents under scrutiny haven’t been disclosed, but if found guilty, the Lisbon club could face suspension from six months to three years.

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Benfica, however, disputes these claims. In an official statement, the club announced that its legal team is rigorously reviewing the accusations linked to former club president Luís Filipe Vieira and former club advisor Paulo Gonçalves. The club also noted that, from its initial assessment, the charges appear unfounded.

Reminder: The accusations involve alleged financial manipulations between 2016 and 2019. During that period, Benfica reportedly assisted financially struggling Vitória Setúbal, which prosecutors claim was done through fictitious transfer deals.