Novak Djokovic may face a five-year prison sentence if it is discovered that he misled Australian authorities about his positive COVID-19 test.
In an affidavit to the Federal Circuit Court, Djokovic stated that he knew he had coronavirus on December 16th. He claimed, “On 16 December 2021, I was tested and diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2″. The judge subsequently decided that Djokovic’s visa should not be canceled. Also, he should continue playing tennis in Australia.
However, Djokovic claimed in a statement made on social media earlier on Wednesday. He learned of his positive COVID-19 result on the 17th, not the 16th. And that is why he explains why he attended public events on the 16th.
The punishment Novak Djokovic could get for providing false information to the court is a five-year prison sentence.
On Wednesday, there were photographs of Djokovic practicing ahead of the competition. It begins on Monday, January 17th. Over the next week, the 34-year-old is likely to face a “hostile” welcome. It will be from both the public and some of his teammates in the locker room. He seeks a men’s record 21st Grand Slam title and a 10th in Melbourne.
“Giving false or misleading information is a serious offense”
However, there’s still a chance he’ll go home. Australia’s immigration minister, Alex Hawke will decide Djokovic’s fate. He has the authority to intercede and terminate Djokovic’s visa. Thereby banning him from the country for three years.
According to Article 248 – ‘Failure to Act Pursuant to Health Regulations During Epidemic’; whoever doesn’t adhere to the rules, he, or she, will face a maximum penalty of three years in prison. The findings come amid reports that the Australian Border Force is looking into allegations that Djokovic wrongly stated he didn’t travel. Also, he would not do so for 14 days – before his journey to Australia.
Separately, Border Force authorities will interrogate Djokovic again about his admission into Australia, this time focusing on travel before arrival. Djokovic said he had not traveled before arriving in Melbourne, yet footage from Spain has surfaced.
He selected the response “No” under the question; “Have you traveled, or will you travel, in the 14 days prior to your flight to Australia?” on Djokovic’s ATD form. Djokovic’s legal team provided the form to the court.
Under the question, there is a note that states: “Giving false or misleading information is a serious offense. You may also be liable to a civil penalty for giving false or misleading information.”
Administrative mistake
Djokovic criticized his agent for the “administrative mistake” in a social media message.
“On the issue of my travel declaration, this was submitted by my support team on my behalf – as I told immigration officials on my arrival and my agent sincerely apologizes for the administrative mistake in ticking the incorrect box about my previous travel before coming to Australia,” Djokovic said.
“This was a human error and certainly not deliberate. We are living in challenging times in a global pandemic and sometimes these mistakes can occur.”
The new calendar year hasn’t started well for world number one Novak Djokovic. The Australian Open 2022, on the other hand, is going to begin on January 17th. The sporting world’s attention is currently on Australia’s immigration minister.