San Juan, Puerto Rico — Attorneys Víctor Rodríguez Reyes and Jorge E. Colberg Vilanova secured a significant victory in the field of sports law by successfully representing a senior federation official in a disciplinary proceeding before the Puerto Rico Athletics Federation (FAPUR).
The case centered on incorrect public remarks made by an athlete that were detrimental to the image and reputation of the official. Although the athlete alleged constitutional violations, both the Executive Committee and the Review Commission of FAPUR determined that the disciplinary process fully upheld due process protections. They concluded that it was the athlete who violated federation regulations and harmed the reputation of the complainant.
The athlete’s suspension was issued on April 25, upheld on appeal on May 19, and reaffirmed on June 25 following the denial of a motion for reconsideration.
This decision sets an important precedent, reaffirming that disciplinary proceedings within sports federations—though quasi-judicial in nature—must strictly adhere to the fundamental principles of due process, fairness, and accountability.
