The Pan American Taekwondo Union (PATU) officially announced the removal of Dennis Berdugo as Sport Director on September 23, 2025. The decision comes after his actions during the Asunción 2025 Junior Pan American Games sparked strong controversy, and following the publication of prior complaints that had shadowed him for years. In his place, the organization appointed Master Santiago Escutia Martínez, in an effort to restore credibility and transparency within the technical area.