Santo Domingo. – The group of clubs that supports the José Heredia Castillo slate, led by sports leader Gilberto de la Cruz, has made an emphatic call not to participate in the Extraordinary Assembly convened by the Basketball Association of the National District (ABADINA).
This position is based on the consideration that the call is illegal, illegitimate and lacks legal validity, because the electoral process of the entity is challenged and currently in judicial process.
During a press conference, the clubs warned that, as long as there is a pending litigation before the First Instance Court of the National District, no authority can exercise administrative functions, convene assemblies, or make decisions that affect the operation of the association.
The call was directed to the clubs that support the José Heredia Castillo Slate, including the Renacer Club, Los Gladiadores, 5 Mártires, Sembrando el Futuro, La Fe, Varias Luces, Águilas de Guachupita, Villa Francisca, Óscar Santana, Tierra Santa, Marcelino de la Rosa, María Auxiliadora and Ensanche Luperón.
Reports of pressure and questioned administrative acts
The group’s representatives denounced that the sector claiming to lead ABADINA would be exerting pressure on clubs and leaders, threatening them with suspensions or expulsions if they do not attend the convened assembly. They stated that this sector lacks legitimacy and legal authority to convene or sanction.
Furthermore, it was noted that, despite the ongoing legal process, this group has continued to perform administrative acts and manage the association’s resources. This led to the freezing of the accounts as a preventive measure to avoid institutional damage.
Elections questioned for violation of statutes
The conflict originated in the Electoral Assembly held on December 13th of last year, where two slates competed: one headed by Edwin Castillo and the other by José Heredia Castillo, led by Gilberto de la Cruz.
According to the complaints, the process was flawed due to the inclusion of five clubs without the right to vote, contravening the ABADINA statutes. Section 3 establishes that clubs that do not participate in at least three tournaments in the under-18 categories lose their right to vote.
Formal Challenge and Ignored Claims
The clubs stated that these irregularities were formally claimed more than 15 days in advance, through acts of a bailiff duly notified to the Electoral Commission, without any corrections being made.
The official result announced was 17 votes against 13; however, by excluding the five disputed votes, the result would have been 13 to 12 in favor of the José Heredia Castillo slate. Although the challenge was recorded in writing in the minutes, the Electoral Commission proceeded to swear in the questioned slate.
Request for intervention by FEDOMBAL and respect for the court ruling
Finally, the clubs reiterated their request for intervention by the Dominican Basketball Federation (FEDOMBAL), so that all administrative activity of ABADINA is stopped until a definitive sentence is issued by the courts.
They indicated that their position is based on the defense of the legality, the institutionality, and the transparency of basketball in the National District, reiterating the call to await the judicial ruling before any new convocation.
