Portuguese Football Federation absolves coach Pepa

The Disciplinary Council of the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has dismissed a complaint filed by the Portuguese Football Referees Association (APAF) against Estrela da Amadora coach Pepa. The council ruled the accusation “improcedente” (unfounded), effectively acquitting the coach of disciplinary infractions.

The complaint stemmed from comments Pepa made during a flash interview following a match between Estrela da Amadora and Rio Ave on September 14. During that match, which ended in a 3-3 draw, the coach criticized the refereeing and VAR decisions, specifically describing a penalty awarded against his team as “surreal” and claiming the decisions “took two points” away from his club.

APAF had argued that these statements undermined the seriousness and honor of the refereeing profession. However, the FPF Disciplinary Council determined that the allegations of injury to the honor and reputation of sporting bodies and their members were not proven, leading to the dismissal of the case.