The Court of Justice of Santa Catarina has authorized two foreign tennis players of Venezuelan and Colombian nationality, who were investigated for racial slander during a tournament in Itajaí, to return to their respective countries. The court decided to remove the precautionary measures that had been imposed on them, which included electronic monitoring and seizure of their passports, upon request from their defense team. They will, however, be required to pay a total bail of R$ 20,000.

The controversy arose when one of the players mimicked a monkey on the court after a defeat, inciting accusations of racism. The players were arrested on January 22 and released the following day, but had been under strict conditions, which the court recognized as overly harsh. The presiding judge, Andrea Cristina Rodrigues Studer, noted that the players had adhered to all legal obligations and expressed that maintaining such stringent restrictions constituted a premature form of punishment.

This case highlights the tension between sportsmanship and conduct during competitive events, especially in delicate topics like racism. Allowing the players to return home not only alleviates their burden as foreign athletes facing significant costs in Brazil but may also reflect an understanding of rehabilitating sports figures rather than punishing them without due process. The court's decision may also set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future within the sports community in Brazil.