Calm Porto in a storm

Porto chairman Pinto da Costa remains confident his side will compete in next season’s Champions League.

The Portuguese giants were yesterday excluded from Europe’s elite club competition next season following a bribery scandal which overshadowed their recent SuperLiga conquest.

They were also hit with a six-point deduction after being found guilty of trying to bribe referees during the 2003/04 campaign.

Porto have already said they will appeal and Pinto da Costa is optimistic the decision will eventually go in their favour.

He told Portuguese broadcaster SIC: “We are calm and confident that we will play in the Champions League.

“Actually, we were expecting this decision from UEFA.

“We do not consider ourselves out of the Champions League. We are already working on the appeal, both in Portugal and Switzerland. We are convinced that we will compete in the Champions League next season. We are sure about it.”