CESAFI: UCLM hit with 7-game forfeiture as league resolves violation, postpones Final Four

The Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) has stripped University of Cebu Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue (UCLM) of seven victories after confirming that player Noe Lingoste violated Rule II.5 by competing in an outside tournament while the CESAFI Season 25 high school basketball competition was still ongoing, Dec. 7.

CESAFI issued the ruling on Dec. 5 following an inquiry from SHS-Ateneo de Cebu regarding Lingoste’s participation in the Gov. Toto Defensor Cup on Nov. 2 in Maasin, Iloilo, which the league said directly breached its prohibition on student-athletes joining unsanctioned events during an active season.

In its letter, CESAFI noted that UCLM acknowledged the violation and removed Lingoste from the roster after the incident surfaced on the school’s official social media page on Nov. 17, but clarified that league rules still require the forfeiture of all games in which the ineligible player appeared.

Lingoste saw action in seven matches before the Nov. 2 infraction, prompting CESAFI to void UCLM’s wins over University of San Jose-Recoletos, San Carlos School of Cebu, SHS-Ateneo de Cebu, Benedicto College, and UC Main, along with its results against Cebu Eastern College and Cebu Institute of Technology-University.

With the seven-game forfeiture applied, UCLM’s record drops from 8-2 to 3-7, removing the Baby Webmasters from Final Four contention and reshaping the semifinal field to SHS-AdC (9-1), UC Main (8-2), Cebu Eastern College (7-3), and CIT-U (7-3).

CESAFI said the rule is intended to protect student-athletes and safeguard member schools’ investments by preventing injuries and conflicts arising from unauthorized participation in outside competitions.

The league added that UCLM may appeal the decision within 24 hours, subject to a ₱10,000 fee, as CESAFI continues to resolve the matter with all affected schools and stakeholders.

As a result of the standings shift and the ongoing resolution process, CESAFI postponed the high school Final Four games originally scheduled for Dec. 7 and moved them to Dec. 8 at the Cebu Coliseum.