Petro Atlético de Luanda has been suspended for several years by the Angolan Football Federation following disciplinary proceedings initiated by the governing body of Angolan football, related to an audio recording revealing cases of match-fixing. The suspension prevents Petro de Luanda from competing in any sporting competition during this period, which could mean the qualification of União Desportiva do Songo for the African Champions League.
According to a statement from the Angolan Football Federation (FAF), "Petro de Luanda Club was informed about the initiation of this disciplinary process, and invited to comment on the content of the audio as it relates to the Club. The Club stated that it had no official knowledge of the audio, which, incidentally, has had a negative impact on the sport in the country.".
Thus, the FAF Disciplinary Council deliberated in accordance with the provisions of Article 19 of the FIFA Code of Ethics, subsidiarily applicable by virtue of subparagraph n) of Article 2 of the FAF Statutes, as follows:
“To suspend, with immediate effect, Clube Atlético Petróleos de Luanda from all football activity for a period of 2 (two) years, consequently preventing it from competing in any sporting competition during this period, for failing to comply with the duty of cooperation to which it is bound with this Federation within the scope of the disciplinary proceedings initiated.”
Considering that Clube Desportivo 1º de Agosto, despite being notified by this Council to comment on the content of the audio that is the subject of this disciplinary process, remained silent, thus violating its duty to cooperate, the members of this Council, in accordance with the provisions of Article 87 of the RD/FAF, resolve to:
“"To punish Clube Desportivo 1º de Agosto for failing to fulfill its duties to this Federation, with a fine equivalent to 2,000 UCF, to be paid within a period not exceeding 20 days, in accordance with the legal provisions.".
Considering that sports journalist Adolfo Manuel, affiliated with Rádio Nacional de Angola, while involved in the sporting event, acted as an intermediary in an act of corruption involving the clubs KSCP and Académica Petróleos Clube do Lobito, copies of these proceedings should be sent to the Board of Directors of Rádio Nacional de Angola, the Ethics and Professional Credentials Committee, and AIDA - the Angolan Sports Press Association - so that, if deemed appropriate, they may initiate the relevant disciplinary proceedings for the act carried out by the journalist, which tarnishes the practice of journalism,” the statement reads.
