Moreirense Futebol Clube has been fined €10,200 by the Disciplinary Council (CD) of the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) for the removal of game balls from the pitch during a crucial Liga Portugal match. This decision, announced this Thursday, highlights the importance of integrity in competitions and the responsibility of clubs.

Moreirense FC's SAD (football company) was condemned for "violating the rules" related to the "multi-ball system," an infraction that the FPF CD considered an "injury to the Principle of Sports Ethics" and a "serious detriment to the image of competitions organized" by the Portuguese Professional Football League (LPFP).

Following a complaint lodged by the opposing club, Moreirense Futebol Clube's field director, Ricardo Silva, was also penalized with a €1,530 fine. This sanction is due to the "violation of duties stipulated" in the LPFP competition regulations, reinforcing individual accountability in such incidents.

The incident occurred during the 21st matchday of Liga Portugal, in a game played on February 9 at Parque de Jogos Comendador Joaquim de Almeida Freitas, which ended in a 1-1 draw. In the final minutes of the match, the balls that should have been available along the sidelines were removed by the ball boys, as was visible during the television broadcast.

One day after the encounter, the opposing club announced that it would file a formal complaint with the FPF CD. The complaint targeted not only the removal of the balls but also other situations that allegedly conditioned the game, such as environmental manipulation and obstruction of ball boys.

The opponent also criticized "manipulated climate control, stands conditioned with banners and sound columns, and ball boys restrained to hide game balls and remove the towels of the visiting team's goalkeeper," João Costa. These allegations paint a picture of deliberate attempts to influence the outcome of the match.