The Arbitration Board of the Portuguese Football Federation excluded three referees from the fourth round of the League after failing the physical tests. José Bessa, João Gonçalves and Cláudio Pereira were the names that failed to pass the physical assessments required by the arbitration body.
The physical tests are an integral part of the quality control implemented by the Arbitration Board to ensure that referees are in adequate condition to officiate the matches of the Portuguese League. Passing these tests is mandatory for all referees who wish to join the refereeing teams in competition matches.
The exclusion of the three referees comes at a time when Portuguese refereeing has been under intense media scrutiny. This situation highlights the strict criteria maintained by the FPF in selecting the professionals who officiate the matches of the main national competition.
The matches of the fourth round will be officiated by other referees who met the physical requirements established by the Arbitration Board. It has not been disclosed whether the three excluded referees will have the opportunity to take new tests to regain their status in the competition.
