In a statement, the Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF) said that during the investigation that culminated in the “Palanca” operation, “several irregular entries and stays of young football players from Southern Africa and South America, were found in the club in question”.

According to the SEF, "inadequate visas for the purpose of amateur sport and simulated invitation letters were also detected, with information on the objectives of the intended stay other than the actual purposes of staying in Portugal".

Operation “Palanca” culminated in the constitution of two defendants on suspicion of crimes of aiding illegal immigration with the motive of profit and forgery of documents.

According to the SEF, in the fulfilment of the search warrant, documentation was seized, namely, "invitation letters, registrations in official sports events, fraudulent legalisation requests and presumably false employment contracts, as well as documentation proving large international financial transfers".

The investigation of the case continues under the coordination of the Department of Investigation and Criminal Action (DIAP) of the Public Ministry of Loulé.