Judo Referee Elections Marred by Manipulation Allegations

Today's electoral process for the Portuguese Judo Referees Association (AAJP) has been marred by controversy, with the current president alleging an attempt to manipulate the outcome and a formal complaint being lodged with the Portuguese Institute of Sport and Youth (IPDJ).

Vying for the AAJP leadership are incumbent president Francisco Gaitinha and Jorge Fernandes, former president of the Judo Federation (FPJ) and current head of the Coimbra Association. It's worth noting that Jorge Fernandes was removed from the FPJ in December 2022 and is currently under investigation by the Public Prosecutor's Office for suspected crimes of influence peddling, abuse of power, and embezzlement.

Francisco Gaitinha accuses Joaquim Caetano Pereira, president of the AAJP General Assembly, of deliberately scheduling the elections in Coimbra to reduce participation and favor Jorge Fernandes' candidacy. "It was clearly done for the candidate from the other slate [Jorge Fernandes] to win the referees' elections," Gaitinha told Lusa, explaining that the location makes it difficult for many referees, particularly those from the islands and other parts of the country, to attend.

According to the acting president, the understanding was that voting would take place during a competition or a general meeting of referees. However, a different decision was made. "The General Assembly president said: I'll hold it wherever I want, and it has to be in Coimbra," he recounted.

These complaints are compounded by a formal denunciation filed on Thursday with the IPDJ by Mário Coelho, former president of the Terceira Island Association. In the letter, accessed by Lusa, Coelho points to "multiple irregularities and democratic abuses," alleging that the convocation was not sent to all members, deadlines were not met, the date clashes with other sporting events, and an electoral regulation was imposed without the approval of the General Assembly.

When questioned by Lusa, the General Assembly president, Joaquim Caetano Pereira, justified the choice of Coimbra due to personal convenience, as he resides in Gouveia. He admitted not knowing the exact number of referees eligible to vote, only stating that their 2026 dues needed to be current, a condition he believes most do not meet. He did, however, promise to disclose the number of voters after the polls close.