Brazil's Fluminense may get relegation reprieve

Rio de Janeira, Dec 11 (IANS) Fluminense could be spared relegation to Brazil’s second tier amid revelations that rivals Portuguesa fielded an irregular player.

Brazil’s superior sports justice tribunal (STJD) will this week make a ruling on Portuguesa’s decision to introduce suspended midfielder Heverton in the final minutes of Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Gremio, reports Xinhua.

The club faces a possible three-point deduction, which would leave them with 45 points, one less than Fluminense.

STJD prosecutor Paulo Schmitt said he was awaiting a report by the Brazilian Football Confederation before proceeding with the case.

“We still haven’t received any notification,” Schmitt said. “I understand that we will be sent a document Wednesday informing of the irregularity and we will then decide the next step.”

Fluminense, Brazil’s 2012 league champions, and fellow Rio de Janeiro giants Vasco da Gama were among the four clubs relegated to the second division following Sunday’s final round of matches.