The punishment is applied for "failure to comply with the duty of collaboration to which he is bound with the FAF, within the scope of the disciplinary process initiated", reads the organization's statement.
At issue is an audio released on social media in which Petro player Márcio Luvambo confirms that the team he represents paid three million kwanzas to Académica do Lobito to win 1.º de Agosto, in last season's Angola Cup game.
Petro de Luanda has won the national football championship 17 times, a Girabola record, including the last two editions, both under the command of Portuguese Alexandre Santos.
In a statement, the club's management considers that there are no facts or legal grounds for the announced sanction and promises to appeal the decision.
The FAF disciplinary body also punished Kabuscorp do Palanca with the penalty of relegation to the second tier, also for corruption, during the qualification for Girabola, suspending the club's president, Bento Kangamba, for four years.
In a statement, the club accuses the organization of “immoderate ambition”. “The Management of Kabuscorp Sport Club do Palanca has always warned the Angolan football family of the excessive ambition of the Disciplinary Council of the Angolan Football Federation and the content of the statement of 31 August confirms that there is never a second chance for a first impression”, reads the note.
For the club, the decision constitutes “a script of insults and ignoble creativity”. The management “appeals for the tranquility of the athletes, technical team, partners, fans and supporters, ensuring that the squad continues its preparation for Girabola 2023/2024 in which the senior men's football team will participate”.
The coach of Académica do Lobito, Agostinho Tramagal, was punished with a four-year suspension, also for corruption, after admitting receiving one million kwanzas.
1.º de Agosto was also fined 2000 kwanzas, for failing to comply with his duties with the FAF.
Journalist Adolfo Manuel, from Rádio Nacional de Angola, is also targeted in the FAF statement, for having intermediated the act of corruption involving Kabuscorp and Académica do Lobito, with the files being sent to the regulatory bodies of the profession and to his Employer.
