Santo Domingo. — A group of sports clubs, led by Gilberto de la Cruz, leader of the Renacer de Guachupita Club and who support the José Heredia Castillo slate, have formally requested the intervention of the Dominican Basketball Federation (FEDOMBAL) and the halt of all administrative activities of the National District Basketball Association (ABADINA).
The call comes after considering that the convocation to an Extraordinary Assembly by ABADINA is illegal and illegitimate, because the electoral process is currently in legal dispute.
Key Arguments of the Request
The clubs argue that, with a lawsuit pending before the First Instance Court of the National District, no authority should exercise administrative functions, convene assemblies, or make decisions that may affect the functioning of the association. In a press conference, the clubs warned of possible reprisals against those who do not attend the convened assembly.
Among the clubs that support the request are: Club Renacer, 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 denounced alleged pressure exerted by the sector currently led by ABADINA on clubs and leaders, threatening suspensions or expulsions if they do not participate in the assembly. In addition, they pointed out that, despite the ongoing legal process, administrative acts have continued to be carried out and association resources have been managed, which led to the freezing of accounts as a preventive measure.
Context of the Electoral Conflict
The conflict originated in the Electoral Assembly of 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.
It was reported that the process was tainted by the inclusion of five clubs without the right to vote, in clear violation of the statutes of ABADINA, which establish the loss of the right to vote for those clubs that do not participate in at least three tournaments for categories under 18 years of age.
The irregularities were formally claimed, without any corrections being made.
The official result was 17 votes against 13, but by excluding the challenged votes, the result would be 13 to 12 in favor of the José Heredia Castillo slate. Despite the challenge, the Electoral Commission proceeded to swear in the challenged slate.
Request for Intervention and Respect for the Judicial Ruling
Finally, the clubs reiterated their request to FEDOMBAL to intervene and stop all administrative activity of ABADINA until a final ruling is issued by the courts.
They affirmed that their position is based on the defense of the legality, the institutionality, and the transparency of basketball in the National District, and reiterated their call to await the judicial ruling before any new convocation.
