The afternoon of last Wednesday, March 27, the Ecuadorian justice accepted the Protection Action proposed by Cuenca pilot Juan Guerrero against the Ecuadorian Federation of Automobile and Kartism (FEDAK).
This entity, through a subcommittee, sanctioned the Azuayo withdrawing the title of the Vuelta a la República 2023.
Guerrero described this news as positive for nut sports. Setting a precedent, The first being that a federation is sued for a problem of these characteristics.
According to the Azuayo, this was a long process, in which the pilot needed to demonstrate that he and his team did the right things. Although FEDAK has a different version.
The agency has the right to appeal the sentence against it.
“Things were done well with my work group. It was a bit tiring, but we needed to show that we didn’t break any regulations. “It is something unheard of for a federation to be against its representatives.”
The Azuayan driver mentioned that regardless of how this process took place, his priority in 2024 is an international race.
He studies several possibilities to show his talent outside the country.
Despite this, he does not rule out being part of one of the valid National Rally Championships or the Tour of the Republic.
“We must study whether the guarantees are provided to compete. This case already occurred in Ambato, where several pilots were not present.
“Let’s hope everything goes well. I hope that FEDAK has another perspective and treats athletes well,” commented the Azuayo pilot.
Legal theme
For Sebastián López, constitutional lawyer and representative of Juan Guerrero, this ruling marks a precedent.
According to the professional, the judges were aware of the lawsuit and called the hearing. Then, the Cuenca native’s defense obtained a positive response in favor of the champion rights of the Vuelta a la República 2023.
“Among several points, the judges indicated that there was no internal regulation. Thus, the sanction was annulled and Juan was recognized as the legitimate champion,” López explained.
After the oral ruling, it was confirmed about non-material reparation; That is, the federation will have to offer a published apology immediately. This will last 30 days and must be published on the sports entity’s website.
The FEDAK made use of its appeal and there will be a second process in the Provincial Court of Azuay (last instance).
“We hope that the sentence is complied with,” he added.