Portimonense SC suspends 26 players over betting scandal

Portimonense SC has announced the immediate preventive suspension of 26 players following allegations of involvement in a sports betting scandal. The club stated it is conducting internal disciplinary proceedings and will act with maximum rigor regarding the matter.

Among those implicated is Nuno Pereira, a former Portimonense player. Accusations suggest Pereira placed 1,536 sports bets, 195 of which were related to matches in the Campeonato de Portugal—the competition Portimonense participated in prior to its relegation. Notably, 22 of these bets were on matches involving his former team, with 18 of those being bets on Portimonense's defeat.

The club issued a statement expressing deep displeasure and repudiation of the facts, emphasizing that ethics, integrity, and fair play are non-negotiable. The players have been notified of the charges and have until Monday to present their defense to the Disciplinary Council.