A few days ago, the Portuguese number 2 of the WPT was suspended by the  Portuguese Federation of Padel . Padel Magazine conducted an investigation to understand what really happened in this case, which will go to the CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sport).

A post on social networks, then a suspension

Ana Catarina Nogueira, 10-time Portuguese champion, posted a text on social media calling “unhappy” the absence of the Portuguese selection at the European and World Cups. An absence due to the existing conflict between the Portuguese Federation and the FIP.

This text dates from July 3, 2021, but the sanction of the Portuguese federation did not arrive until December 24. A bitter gift for Ana Catarina who would have gone without such a decision.

Because of this post, the athlete was suspended for 60 days and fined 250 euros. The player would have “committed ostentatious and defamatory public criticism”, which, according to this unifying body, constitutes “a serious disciplinary offence”.

The player claims that she has no “nothing said special” and that she has already appealed the “unfair” decision. Indeed, Ana Catarina Nogueira appealed to the CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sport) to annul the decision.

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A case that could have remained internal

Contacted by Padel Magazine, the Portuguese Federation and its president Ricardo Oliveira do not wish to comment on the decision of the disciplinary council of the federation, an independent body.

According to the player, the entity chaired by Ricardo Oliveira “never made contact”, being “moved immediately to the disciplinary process”. Members of the Portuguese Federation revealed to Padel Magazine that the player had also not come into contact with the Federation before publishing this post. This is probably the reason on which the disciplinary body of the federation relied to formulate its sanction.

“I responded to the process notification saying there was no offense, insult or defamation in the text. Until, on December 24, I receive the decision of the process, with the disciplinary sanction”, defends the one who reached 6th place in the world rankings a few years ago.

Ultimately, Portugal and padel could have done without this new conflict which benefits neither the athlete, nor the federation nor our sport...

From his names, we can guess his Spanish and Italian origins. Lorenzo is a multilingual passionate about sports: journalism by vocation and events by worship are his two legs. He is the international gentleman of Padel Magazine. You will often see him at various international competitions, but also at major French events. @eyeofpadel on Instagram to see his best padel photos!

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