All speculations whether UEFA will allow Portuguese side FC Porto to compete in the upcoming Champions League or not are now over. 2003-2004 Champions League winners FC Porto will compete in the upcoming Champions League as the reigning Portuguese champions. A couple of months back, Porto was fined and had 6 points deducted from league play for participating in some irregular activities. Despite being deducted 6 points, FC Porto still managed to be crowned champions of Portugal, 14 points in front Sporting Lisbon.
UEFA statement
On Monday, European football's governing body issued the following statement: "As communicated on Friday 13 June, the disciplinary case regarding FC Porto and their entry to the 2008/09 UEFA Champions League season has been referred back to the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body. However, following the written grounds as sent by the UEFA Appeals Body, it can now be confirmed that FC Porto will be admitted to the UEFA Champions League in season 2008/09. This is essentially due to the proceedings in Portugal not having been finally concluded."
Speaking of banning teams, in this upcoming season we will see the return of Partizan Belgrade, Legia Warsaw and Feyenoord Rotterdam who were all banned for extreme violence on behalf of their "fans".
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