The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has confirmed that Venezuelan tennis player Roberto Maytín has been banned from the sport for 14 years after admitting multiple breaches of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program (TACP) rules. In addition to the ban, Maytín was fined $100,000, of which $75,000 is suspended.
The offences took place in 2017 and 2018 and Maytín, who had a highest ATP doubles ranking of 86 in 2015 (current doubles ranking 179) and highest singles ranking of 643 in 2008, is now prohibited from playing in, coaching at or otherwise attending any tennis event authorised or sanctioned by the governing bodies of tennis for a period of 14 years from 29 March 2021.
The case was dealt with under the 2021 TACP ‘Proposal for Disposition’ framework. This allows for a sanction to be handed down from the ITIA to the player upon admission of guilt, without the need for a hearing.
The breaches of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program rules that Mr Maytín has admitted to are:
Section D.1.d of the 2017 and 2018 TACP: “No Covered Person shall, directly or indirectly, contrive or attempt to contrive the outcome or any other aspect of any Event.”
Section D.2.a of the 2017 and 2018 TACP: “In the event any Player is approached by any person who offers or provides any type of money, benefit or Consideration to a Player to (i) influence the outcome or any other aspect of any Event, or (ii) provide Inside Information, it shall be the Player's obligation to report such incident to the TIU [now ITIA] as soon as possible.”
Section D.1.f of the 2017 and 2018 TACP: “No Covered Person shall, directly or indirectly, solicit or accept any money, benefit or Consideration with the intention of negatively influencing a Player’s best efforts in any Event.”
Section F5 of the 2021 TACP sets out the process and procedures for Agreed Dispositions. Once the disposition has been agreed, the accused accepts the sanction and waives the right to a hearing or any appeal.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency is an independent body established by the International Governing Bodies of Tennis to promote, encourage, enhance and safeguard the integrity of professional tennis worldwide.
Ends
Published 31 March 2021 14:30
