Portugal put the blame on Chelsea

Portugal's football chief criticised Chelsea today for announcing the appointment of Luiz Felipe Scolari as coach while the national side were still involved in Euro 2008.

Gilberto Madail, president of the Portuguese Football Federation, believes the timing had a destabilising effect.

"It wasn't the best moment for us," Madail said. "I know Scolari had nothing to do with it. I wish Chelsea had consulted us so we could have chosen a better time."

Madail conceded that Scolari's departure was inevitable.

"I knew when we entered the tournament that Scolari would leave," he said. "He is a great coach. His cycle with Portugal had ended because he wanted a new experience with a club.

"It was a financial issue and we couldn't match Chelsea's offer."