The deposed president of the Portuguese Judo Federation (FPJ), Jorge Fernandes, confirmed to Lusa today that he will run again to “restore the truth” and complete the program interrupted by his resignation.
“I can confirm that the candidacy is moving. I am running again to restore the truth and because I did not complete the mandate for which I was elected two years ago, but also out of respect for my supporters, the deputies and judo,” said Jorge Fernandes.
The previous president, elected in 2017 and then in 2020, was deposed on December 18 last year, following an investigation by the Portuguese Institute of Sport and Youth (IPDJ), due to incompatibilities under Article 51 of the legal regime of sports federations, but he had already admitted that he would run for the February 19 audit.
At stake, according to the investigation, is the recruitment in 2021 to the FPJ of Jorge Alberto Fernandes, son of the deposed president, and the fact that the former head of the federation plays coaching roles at the Judo Clube de Coimbra, two incompatible scenarios with the functions it fulfilled.
“I have not committed any crime. I have committed two illegalities according to the IPDJ, but they have been rectified,” Jorge Fernandes told Lusa, who showed confidence for another re-election: “If it were not so, I would not run again “.
On the other hand, Jorge Fernandes praised the fact that there is another candidacy for the next election, namely José Mário Cachada, considering that it is “welcome” and that it promotes “a debate about ideas”, contrary to what has been said happened in 2020 when the former president ran alone for the vote.
However, he left a note: “I’m just sorry that whoever caused this whole situation isn’t coming forward to vote and not showing his face. [o inquérito que levaria à destituição de Jorge Fernandes foi aberto após uma queixa apresentada pelo treinador e presidente da Associação de Judo de Castelo Branco, Abel Louro]”.
Jorge Fernandes confirmed the re-candidacy, saying that he will “start work today so that the candidacy goes through” as the lists and the respective programs must be submitted by January 30.
In addition to Jorge Fernandes, José Mário Cachada, former judo practitioner, head of the education and culture department of the Espinho City Council, and former national youth champion of the sport (1977 and 1978), is also running for president of the FPJ.
In 2021, he was appointed ambassador of the National Plan for Ethics in Sport, an initiative promoted by the Portuguese Institute for Sport and Youth (IPDJ).
Source: DN
