LISBON, July 10 (Xinhua) -- Three high-ranking Portuguese officials have resigned amid an investigation into improper conduct in public office, according to local media reports on Monday.
The public prosecutors office said Monday that the accused were secretaries of state of internationalization Jorge Costa Oliveira, of tax affairs Fernando Rocha Andrade, and of industry Joao Vasconcelos.
They could face up to five years imprisonment according to anti-corruption law.
Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa said in a statement issued late Sunday that he had accepted the resignation of the three state secretaries.
The three men were found to have been paid by the Portuguese energy company Galp for their travel, accommodation, and match tickets for the Euro 2016 soccer tournament in July last year in France. Portugal won the tournament for the first time in the country's soccer history.
However, Galp reaffirmed in a statement on Monday the legality of what it called a "traditional practice," saying the company's sponsorship had "no other purpose than to support the national team." Enditem
