Porto will keep the Portuguese title after being stripped of six points for the alleged bribery of referees in the 2003-4 season while former champions Boavista have been relegated to the second division for similar offences.

Porto, who were 20 points clear of Sporting Lisbon before the punishment with a game left in the season, also had president Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa suspended for two years after a probe into two matches.

The decision was announced by Ricardo Costa, head of the Disciplinary Commission of the Professional Portuguese Football League, after a lengthy investigation known as "Apito Dourado," or Golden Whistle.

Costa said Boavista, who won the championship in 2001, were relegated to the second division after being involved in coercing referees in three matches in the 2003/4 season. Their former president, Joao Loureiro, was suspended for four years.

Porto were fined €150,000 and Boavista €180,000 for the offences. Both sides have the right to appeal.

Jose Mourinho was the Porto coach in the 2003/4 season when his side won the Champions League and Portuguese title. His name has not been mentioned during the investigation.

The league did not say how Boavista's relegation would affect clubs already in the drop zone.