Portugal: League approves transition from 16 to 18 clubs and return of Boavista to first division

The LFPF (Portuguese Professional Football League) approved the transition from 16 to 18 clubs in Liga Zon Sagres and returned Portuan club, Boavista, to the Portuguese first division as of 2014-15, on 31/03/2014.

"Given the presentations by Boavista Futebol Clube, Futebol, SAD, after the assessment of all documentation required by the application process stipulated by the official statement No. 320 of 24/03/2014, and after obtaining the favourable opinion of the technical committee of research and audit, which met today, the executive committee has decided to approve the application of Boavista Futebol Clube to participate in Liga Zon Sagres in 2014-15," indicated the LFPF on 31/03/2014.

Boavista, the Portuguese champions in 2000-01, were administratively relegated to the second division after the 2007-08 season, following the disciplinary proceedings of "Apito Final" ("Final Whistle") engaged in by the LFPF in 2007. The club was convicted of the bribery and coercion of referees. Boavista has played in the Portuguese third division since 2009-10.

In February 2013, following a…