Tennis Integrity Unit Briefing Note - July 2016

Match Alert Data - April to June 2016

For the second quarter of 2016, April to June inclusive, the Tennis Integrity Unit (TIU) received a total of 73 match alerts through Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with regulators and betting organisations.

The figure is a combined aggregate of all tennis alerts received from the betting industry and represents the most comprehensive and accurate data for the sport.

Since the beginning of 2016, the TIU has established a substantial number of new MoUs. They represent an increase in relationships with the betting sector of more than 35% and provide greater coverage, scrutiny and reporting of tennis betting on an international basis.

During the reporting period, 30,353 professional matches were played, with the 73 alerts featuring on just 0.24% of those matches.

By comparison, during the first quarter of 2016 (January to March), the TIU received 48 match alerts against 24,110 matches, 6,243 fewer than were played in the second quarter.

For the whole of 2015, 246 match alerts were received; the six month total for 2016 now stands at 121.

TIU match alert policy

• every alert is assessed and followed up as an indicator that something inappropriate may have happened. It is important to appreciate that an alert on its own is not evidence of match-fixing
• there are many reasons other than corrupt activity that can explain unusual betting patterns, such as incorrect odds-setting; well-informed betting; player fitness, fatigue and form; playing conditions and personal circumstances
• where analysis of a match alert does suggest corrupt activity, the TIU will conduct a full investigation, in confidence

TIU working with Olympic organisers at Rio Games

The TIU is working closely with the International Olympic Committee to provide a robust anti-corruption environment for the Olympic Tennis Event in Rio de Janeiro next month (6- 14 August). TIU investigative staff will be on site for the duration of the Event and the competition will be subject to the terms of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program (TACP), and the IOC anti-corruption code.

TIU Recruitment Update

Simon Cowell joined the TIU as an investigator in early May to add resource and expertise to the organisation’s investigative capability. A former British law enforcement officer, Simon brings particular skills in anti-corruption detection and prosecution to his new role. The TIU now has five full time investigators, including director of integrity Nigel Willerton, and a twoperson intelligence and data analysis team.

Player education App for smartphones

The TIU player education program will soon be available on a smartphone App for the first time. Over 23,000 players have already completed the compulsory TIPP (Tennis Integrity Protection Program) online. Both the education module and other anti-corruption materials will be accessible through i-phone and Android devices.

Player Sanctions and Appeals Update

Alexandros Jakupovic appeals life ban to CAS: Greek player Alexandros Jakupovic, 34, has appealed to CAS in a bid to overturn a lifetime ban imposed following his conviction on five corruption charges, including match-fixing, in December 2015. The player achieved a careerhigh ranking of 464 in September 2009. The Hearing in Lausanne on 7 July was contested by the TIU.

Suspended sanction and fine for Danail Tarpov: Bulgarian tennis player Danail Tarpov received a suspension of three months and €5,000 fine after admitting to a betting-related offense under Section D of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program. Both the sanction and fine are suspended for a period of two years conditional on no further breach of the Program being committed. Mr Tarpov, 27, is currently ranked 1,109 in singles and achieved a career-high ranking of 989 in September 2015. Note: this sanction was originally announced by the TIU on 2 July 2016; see media archive section of www.tennisintegrityunit.com

Piotr Gadomski CAS appeal decision expected in August: a decision on Polish player Piotr Gadomski’s appeal against a seven-year suspension and US$15,000 fine is now expected from CAS in early August. The hearing took place in March. The 25-year old’s highest singles ranking was 338 in April 2014. 

Next issue

The next issue of the TIU Briefing Note will be published in early October. To be added to the circulation, contact Mark Harrison atmark.harrison@tennisintegrityunit.com