LAUSANNE, June 26 (CAS) - Benfica have appealed against Porto's inclusion in the Champions League, the Court of Arbitration for Sport confirmed on Friday.
Porto, who won the competition in 2004 under Jose Mourinho, were kicked out of next season's tournament after they were found guilty of trying to bribe domestic referees during the 2003/04 campaign.
But that decision was then overturned by UEFA's appeals body pending a new hearing.
Benfica have now taken the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in a bid to take up their place in Europe's premier club competition.
'We did just receive a complaint from them a few minutes ago,' CAS secretary general Matthieu Reeb told PA Sport. 'So I can confirm that there will be an appeal.
'But as we've only just got it I can't say any more at present. We've only just seen it so we have no idea what it exactly says, we don't know when we'll have the hearing, when we'll listen to the appeals or anything.
'We'll have to study it and then we'll know more.'
Benfica were the club who stood to benefit if Porto's exclusion had stood, having finished fourth in the SuperLiga.
What is certain, however, is that a decision has to be made quickly, with the draw for the Champions League first preliminary round set to take place on August 1.
'I can't say anything about whether the draw could be delayed,' added Reeb. 'As we have not had the chance to really study the complaint.
'But we will look at it and release a press statement later this afternoon.'
