Francisco Seixas da Costa
Insulting others sometimes pays off — a lot. Initially ordered to compensate the former FC Porto coach, the former Secretary of State of the Guterres government reached a very favorable “amicable agreement” with the State.
“Sérgio Conceição doesn’t seem like a bad coach! But he is – let’s be clear! – a javardo.”
The sentence was left in writing by Francisco Seixas da Costa and has just earned him more than 20 thousand euros, courtesy of the State itself.
The State will have to pay the exact amount of 20,450 euros to the former diplomat following a process that began in 2019, where the former ambassador insulted, then coach of FC Porto.
The outcome results from an understanding reached at the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), in Strasbourg: 20,450 euros to be paid within three months.
It all started on March 31, 2019, after a game between SC Braga and FC Porto, which ended in Porto’s victory (2-3). In a post on Twitter (now X), Seixas da Costa wrote the following words:
“Sérgio Conceição doesn’t seem like a bad coach! But he is – let’s be clear! – a jerk. It’s not worth using euphemisms. And the FCP fans who like his style are just that – jerks. Just like the fans of (my) Sporting who like Bruno de Carvalho.”
The publication led to a complaint and, years later, a conviction for defamation in Portuguese courts. On September 26, 2022, the Porto court sentenced Seixas da Costa, setting a total of 8.200 euros: 2,200 euros in fine and 6,000 euros in compensation to Sérgio Conceição. The decision was confirmed by the Porto Court of Appeal, on February 22, 2023, which refused the appeal and maintained the sentence, according to the .
Unsatisfied, the former Secretary of State for European Affairs (1995-2001) of the Government of António Guterres took the case to the ECtHR, claiming that the conviction in Portugal violated your right to freedom of expressionprovided for in article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights. In the Strasbourg court, the case ended up not progressing to a decision on the merits, as a “friendly agreement” between the Portuguese State and the defense of Seixas da Costa.
According to the decision handed down on November 20th and communicated this month, the State undertakes to pay 8.200 euros for property damage, 9.750 euros for non-pecuniary damage and 2.500 euros for procedural expenses, totaling 20,450 euros. The document also provides for the possibility of applying interest if payment is not made within the stipulated period.
On the other hand, Seixas da Costa waives any other claims against Portugal related to the facts that gave rise to the appeal. For the ECtHR, the agreement is based on respect for the rights enshrined in the Convention and there are no reasons that justify the continued consideration of the request, which is why the case was removed from the list of cases under analysis.
