Portugal Federation to hold emergency meeting on Scolari

The Portuguese Soccer Federation said it will hold an emergency board meeting next week to discuss coach Luiz Felipe Scolari's four-match suspension by UEFA.

Brazilian Scolari, who was banned on Thursday, has apologised for lashing out at Serbian player Ivica Dragutinovic after their 1-1 draw in a Euro 2008 qualifier on Sept. 12.

Federation president Gilberto Madail told reporters he had not yet received UEFA's explanation for the punishment.

"However, to suggest a four-game suspension, which Scolari will appeal, is a heavy sanction for the Portuguese team that is playing to qualify for the final phase of the Euro 2008," Madail said.

"I met with Scolari for about two hours to share some thoughts on the problem and decided to convene an emergency meeting of directors for Monday.

"I am not the owner of the Federation and will accept, like Scolari, any decision that comes from the board of directors."

Scolari, who sat next to Madail during the meeting with reporters, said: "Although I have recognised with all honesty my mistake, I think the sanction is excessive.

"The player who started this whole situation (Dragutinovic) was suspended for two games. And that is why I will appeal this decision as soon as the Portuguese Federation receives the reasons."