Last Friday, February 28, the portuguese criminal court anounced the verdict on the first case of match-fixing that went to trial in the country. The case became known as “Jogo Duplo”, after a criminal investigation on the games of the II League, at the season 2015/2016. Six defendants, including one active player and two former professional players, were sentenced to effective prison time and many other players and sportive agentes were sentenced to prison, suspended in execution under a probationary period, and ban on any football related activities for a long period. Defendants can still appeal of the decision.

The president of the Players Union, Joaquim Evangelista, underlined the importance of this case, not only for the football governing bodies, but to the community, motivating a reflection on some of the risks that, in Portugal, may contribute to these criminal practices.

In the field, the Union awarded the players who stood out in January, on the professional leagues. Trincão, SC Braga winger, was doubly distinguished, with the awards of Best Player and Best Young in the First League, while João Godinho (Mafra) and Guilherme Ramos (Feirense) received the trophies of Best Player and Best Young Player of the Second League, respectively.