Cycling South Africa has closed its case against Imveli Cycling Academy founder Lukholo Badi for the age-fixing scandal he carried out in Port Elizabeth earlier this year.
He was barred from taking part in any organised cycling event for three years. Despite stating his intention to appeal against the decision, he failed to do so.
Badi captured the birth dates of the riders in the academy incorrectly, making them appear younger than they actually were.
Cycling South Africa has closed its case against Imveli Cycling Academy founder Lukholo Badi (left) for the age-fixing scandal he carried out in Port Elizabeth earlier this year. Photo: Herald Cycle Tour/Facebook
When East Cape Cycling became aware of the irregularities they convened a three-person tribunal to investigate the allegations.
“The tribunal found that Mr Badi had not simply made an error on the relevant documentation, but had intentionally altered official government documentation to support the amended identity numbers,” Cycling SA said in a statement.
As a result, Badi was charged and restricted from taking part in any form of cycling for a period of three years, effective from July 31, 2018.
The Kwazakhele-based Imveli was also placed under administration.
“Mr Badi was informed of the outcome of the hearing and the sanctions that were to be imposed,” the statement said.
“As per the regulations of Cycling SA, Mr Badi was also afforded the opportunity to appeal the finding. The details of this process and time frame for the lodging of the documentation were provided to him.”
After no appeal was lodged the matter was considered closed.
However, Badi’s lawyers then approached East Cape Cycling and Cycling SA to request them to rescind the findings on the grounds that “the process had been flawed” and that both organisations “held no jurisdiction over Mr Badi in his personal capacity”.
Badi’s request was rejected by Cycling SA, but in the “spirit of mediation”, Badi was afforded another opportunity to appeal the findings.
The appeal process was reopened on August 28. Badi and his lawyers were given the opportunity to lodge their appeal within 10 days.
“By the closing date of the appeal window, Mr Badi had not lodged an appeal. The original sanction remains in force and Cycling SA now deems this case final,” the statement concluded.
