From TIU to ITIA
On 1 January 2021, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) officially subsumed the Tennis Integrity Unit (TIU). This saw a new, independent organisation established by the International Governing Bodies of Tennis to promote, encourage, enhance and safeguard the integrity of professional tennis worldwide.
The ITIA became the charging body for breaches of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program rules and has built a new in-house legal team to lead this.
The new ITIA website was launched in January.
Betting alerts
Between January and March 2021, the ITIA received a total of 23 match alerts through its confidential Memoranda of Understanding with the regulated betting industry. No alerts were received at the Australian Open.
This compares to 38 match alerts for the same period in 2020.
|
Tournament type |
Alerts |
|
ATP Challenger 50 |
2 |
|
ATP Challenger 80 |
5 |
|
ATP World Tour 250 |
4 |
|
M15 Mens – World Tennis Tour |
10 |
|
M15 Womens – World Tennis Tour |
2 |
|
TOTAL |
23 |
A note about match alerts:
Every alert reported to the ITIA is recorded, assessed and followed up as an indicator that something inappropriate may have happened. It is important to note that an alert on its own is not evidence of match fixing.
Unusual betting patterns can occur for many reasons other than match fixing – for example incorrect odds-setting; well-informed betting; player fitness, fatigue or form; playing conditions and personal circumstances.
Where analysis of a match alert does suggest corrupt activity, the ITIA conducts a full, confidential investigation.
Click here for more information about ITIA investigations.
Sanctions issued
The ITIA has issued seven sanctions so far in 2021. They are:
Barbora Palcatova (Slovakia) – Suspended for three years (with 15 months suspended)
https://www.itia.tennis/news/sanctions/slovakian-tennis-player-banned/
Roberto Maytín (Venezuela) – Suspended for 14 years
https://www.itia.tennis/news/press-releases/venezuelan-roberto-maytin-banned/
Abiodun Oyegoke and Bukola Popoola (Nigeria) – Both banned for life
https://www.itia.tennis/news/sanctions/two-nigerian-tennis-players-banned-for-life-for-match-fixing-offences/
Nikita Gudozhnikov (Russia) – Suspended for 30 months
https://www.itia.tennis/news/sanctions/nikita-gudozhnikov-banned-for-30-months/
Sofia Dmitrieva and Alija Merdeeva (Russia) – Both banned for life
https://www.itia.tennis/news/sanctions/two-russian-tennis-players-given-lifetime-bans/
In addition, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) upheld two decisions:
Juan Carlos Sáez (Chile)
https://www.itia.tennis/news/sanctions/cas-upholds-sanction-for-juan-carlos-saez/
Mauricio Alvarez-Guzman (Chile)
https://www.itia.tennis/news/sanctions/cas-upholds-sanction-of-chilean-player-mauricio-alvarez-guzman/
Published 08 April 2021 15:00
