FUBA Tribunal Upholds Clearance of City Oilers Players

The FUBA Tribunal has dismissed the appeal lodged by JT Jaguars and Namuwongo Blazers challenging the eligibility of City Oilers players Chad Bowie and Kurt Curry Wegscheider.

The tribunal ruled that the appeals lacked sufficient evidence to overturn the Competitions Council’s decision, upholding the players’ clearance.

The appellants had argued that the Competitions Council erred in law and fact by accepting scanned and emailed documents as valid for registration, failing to verify physical signatures, and denying the clubs a fair hearing.

They claimed this procedural irregularity breached legitimate expectations and amounted to jurisdictional overreach.

In its findings, the tribunal noted that:

• The appellants failed to provide sufficient evidence to substantiate their claims.
• The City Oilers had complied with FUBA Competition Rules and guidance provided by the Competitions Council.
• There is no explicit requirement in the rules for in-person submission of registration documents, and remote execution via electronic means is permissible.
• The appellants were not afforded a right to be heard in relation to the allegations, but the lack of procedural irregularity on the part of City Oilers absolved the club of liability.

The tribunal emphasized the need for clarity and uniform guidelines in player registration procedures, directing the Competitions Council to issue guidance on signing, registration, and verification processes.

Team managers are also to be consulted to ensure compliance with FUBA rules and practical realities.

Ruling from the tribunal concluded:

• The petition challenging the eligibility of Chad Bowie and Kurt Curry is dismissed.
• The registration and clearance of the players by the Competitions Council are upheld as valid.
• No procedural irregularity is attributable to City Oilers BBC, and the club cannot be penalized for any administrative inconsistencies.

Tribunal members Nicholas Natuhereza, Robert Buga, and Angwella Emmanuel noted that the ruling will serve as binding precedent until the FUBA Competition Rules are revised to provide greater clarity on registration procedures.

City Oilers will have their new duo as they take on JT Jaguars on Tuesday in game one of best of three-match quarterfinals series at Lugogo.