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SAO PAULO -- Brazilian club Portuguesa abandoned its second-division match against Joinville in the 16th minute on Friday, saying it had a court order allowing it to play in the top flight that begins on Saturday.
Portuguesa players left the field with the scored tied 0-0 after a court official showed up during its match and presented the ruling to team officials and referees. The match official said the team had to keep playing, but the club said it had to abide by the court order.
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Portuguesa and its fans have been filing lawsuits in civil courts trying to get reinstated to the top division of the Brazilian league. The club was relegated last year after a sports tribunal stripped it of four points for using a suspended player in the final round. Officials claim the Brazilian federation did not properly advise the club of the suspension.
The new court ruling gives the points back to Portuguesa and voids its relegation, putting in jeopardy the start of the first division on Saturday. The federation has reversed similar rulings recently, but it remains unclear how the weekend matches will be affected if it can't overturn this court order.
The league turmoil comes as Brazilian football is under increased scrutiny with the World Cup less than two months away. The country's image has already been tarnished by significant problems with its World Cup preparations.
Portuguesa already knew of the legal victory but had decided to play on Friday to avoid disrupting the tournament. However, officials said that they could not go against the court order after the official showed up at the stadium in the southern city of Joinville.
"I'm just an employee," Portuguesa coach Argel said. "I have to follow the club's orders. It's a decision by the president."
Joinville players remained on the pitch and the referee waited 30 minutes before officially ending the match.
"This is not our problem," Joinville president Nereu Martinelli told local media. "Now it's up to the federation to solve this."
The Brazilian football federation said the match official and the referees did not have to accept the court order because the judge who issued the ruling did not have jurisdiction. It said Portuguesa was clearly advised to continue playing and because it opted not to, it is in danger of losing points.
A day earlier, the federation had overturned a ruling from another club trying to play in the top flight. Icasa filed civil court lawsuits because one of the four teams promoted from the second division last year, Figueirense, used a player who was incorrectly registered. Icasa finished fifth and wanted to take Figueirense's spot, but a sports tribunal court dismissed its case because the club allegedly took too long to appeal.
The federation has already been warned by FIFA that the lawsuits could be a breach of the governing body's statutes and lead to sanctions for clubs and the federation itself. FIFA told the federation it is responsible for "prohibiting" members from going to civil courts over sports issues.
Portuguesa's demotion last year kept traditional Rio de Janeiro club Fluminense from becoming the first defending champion from being relegated in the Brazilian league.
Soccer Hot News
Rangers legend Jardine dies
Rangers legend Sandy Jardine has died aged 65, after an 18-month battle with cancer.
Jardine passed away on Thursday evening, with the club confirming the news on their official website.
“Sandy had been battling bravely against cancer for the past 18 months and was a regular visitor to Ibrox until a short time ago but he sadly passed away peacefully tonight surrounded by his family,” a Rangers statement read.
“Rangers has lost a man of dignity, class and honour tonight and the thoughts of everyone at the Club are with his wife Shona, children Steven and Nicola, his grandchildren and friends.”
Sir Alex Ferguson, a former team-mate of Jardine’s, passed on his sympathies to Jardine’s family.
“From Cathy and I, this is some of the worst news we have heard,” Ferguson said.
“Sandy was a noble and courageous man. The respect he is held in at Rangers is immense.
“He was one of the greatest players ever to wear the jersey.
“To Shona and family, we express our sympathy and sadness.”
Rangers manager Ally McCoist said he grew up watching Jardine ply his trade, and paid his respects to the club legend.
“There have been many great names associated with Rangers Football Club in our 142 year history and Sandy is a Rangers legend in every sense of the word,” McCoist said.
“We are all devastated by the news he has passed away, we have lost a great man today.
“I had the privilege of watching Sandy playing for Rangers when I was a young boy, I had enjoyed the pleasure of working with him closely since I returned to the club in 2007 and he was a truly remarkable human being.”
Jardine played 451 league matches for the Scottish powerhouse, before adding another 184 Premier League games – plus a two-year coaching stint – at Hearts.
The Edinburgh-born right-back also made 38 appearances for Scotland’s national team from 1970-79.
He helped Rangers to three Scottish top flight titles and 10 cup wins across the Scottish Cup and Scottish League Cup tournaments.
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