looks like league will expand to 19 or 20 teams due to the results of the appeal of Gil Vicente's demotion several years ago. 19th team will be Gil vicente, and likely a 20th (Portimonese?) would join in presumably to even it up at 19 clubs would be a bit awkward. SCP potentially winning a 20 team league in 2016/17 would be even sweeter.
From Wikipedia: "In the 2005-06 Primeira Liga, Gil Vicente fielded an ineligible player being Angolan forward Mateus. Due to this Gil Vicente lost the right to participate in the 2006-07 Primeira Liga which as a result Belenenses remained in the league as a result of the Mateus Affair.[1] Gil Vicente were accused by the special sports instances that rule Portuguese football of illegally resorting to regular courts on the dispute of Mateus, according to Gil Vicente, illegal contract with his former employer, FC Lixa.[2] Still convinced this is not a sports-related case but rather work-related, Gil Vicente continued in the courts. [3] Along with the relegation, they were also suspended from the Cup of Portugal for one season.[4] Two of the youth teams were also affected by this decision didn't play there respective league games." Last month this decision was overturned by the courts, which means Gil Vicente are in their right to request re-integration into 1st division. Everyone from the FPF to the Liga declared they aren't opposing the decision and it looks like the other clubs are willing to let Gil Vicente in. The confusing part now is how to integrate them.
Sounds like a massive screw up. If GV played Mateus for more than a game, shouldn't the Liga have picked it up and just taken off the points for the games were he was involved? Anyone know more details?
I actually look forward to them being promoted just so I can see them get stomped on all season and go straight down
If you think about it, Real Madrid were kicked out of the Copa del Rey this season for something similar. In this case it happened in the League competition instead of a Cup competition.
FIFA , UEFA etc don't like teams appealing these things though the civil court system. they want them to stay in the sports administrative bodies/tribunals, but Gil Vicente said F it and took the matter to courts. thats what my understanding is of the big stink over this. If I remember correctly FIFA at the time threatened to sanction Portugal, as they don't like their authority being usurped by the court system (not surprising since they are mostly crooks).