FC Porto has denied any involvement in the investigation, stating that the club has no influence on the appointment of referees in Portuguese football. The club claims that the investigation was an attempt to create a false narrative about the club's involvement in referee appointments. This comes after the club expressed surprise at the appointment of referee Fábio Veríssimo for the cup match against SL Benfica in January 2026. The club has stated that it accepts control, criticism, and questioning, but not untruths, insinuations, or campaigns that aim to harm the club. FC Porto will take legal action against the investigation, and the club's next match is against Benfica on Sunday at 21:30.