The quarterfinal of former colonial power Portugal against England in the early hours of Sunday had been at risk after 50 youths charged into the office and threatened staff during a civil crisis rocking the nation for weeks.

Managing director Gill Guterres said the youths were chased off by Portuguese police Wednesday but only a third of the network's 100 staff had reported for work since.

But he said extra security measures meant that the match would now be shown in East Timor, where football is by far the most popular sport.

"Support is divided, but most people support Portugal and Brazil here," he said.

The network paid less than 10,000 dollars for the right to screen the matches in East Timor because of its impoverished status, he added.

East Timor gained independence four years ago following Portuguese colonial rule, Indonesian occupation and then a UN-supervised transition period.