The case CAS 2007/A/1392 involved a complex dispute between the Federación Panameña de Judo (FPJ), the Federación Venezolana de Judo (FVJ), and the International Judo Federation (IJF), focusing on governance issues, the legitimacy of decisions made by the Panamerican Judo Union (PJU), and adherence to fundamental legal principles in sports arbitration. The panel, composed of Mr. Efraim Barak, Prof. Massimo Coccia, and Mr. Bernard Hanotiau, addressed several key legal principles, including the right of federation members to challenge decisions without restrictions on standing, the importance of respecting congress agendas, and the distinction between legal, illegal, and invalid decisions. The panel emphasized that decisions violating fundamental principles of international public policy are null and void, even without judicial annulment.
The dispute centered on the suspension of Mr. Jorge Armada, President of the Puerto Rican Judo Federation, by the PJU, which the IJF later addressed during its 2007 congress. The panel found the PJU's suspension procedurally flawed and disproportionate, violating principles such as the right to be heard and legality. The IJF congress was deemed justified in disregarding the suspension, as it contravened international public policy. The panel also examined the affiliation status of the FPJ under Mr. Miguel Vanegas, concluding it was validly affiliated with the IJF through the PJU. The IJF's subsequent recognition of a rival federation led by Mr. Ernesto Arce, based on National Olympic Committee endorsement, was found to deviate from IJF statutes, which equally prioritize recognition by the highest sporting organization. The panel annulled the IJF's decisions, reinstating the FPJ under Mr. Vanegas as the rightful IJF-affiliated federation for Panama.
The case highlighted broader challenges in sports governance, including procedural fairness, political influence, and the interplay between national and international bodies. The panel underscored the importance of adhering to statutory procedures and fundamental legal principles, ensuring transparency and fairness in federation decisions. The ruling reinforced the applicability of Lex Sportiva and international public policy in sports arbitration, clarifying the limits of the panel's jurisdiction in disputes involving non-parties. Ultimately, the Court of Arbitration for Sport partially upheld the appeal, annulling the IJF's 2007 decisions and affirming the FPJ under Mr. Vanegas as the recognized member for Panama, while dismissing other relief requests. The case serves as a significant precedent for resolving conflicts within international sports federations.