Christopher Diaz-Figueroa banned and fined for tennis match-fixing offences
723-ranked Guatemalan player will serve a two year suspension, pending no further breaches of the sport’s anti-corruption code
Guatemalan tennis player Christopher Diaz-Figueroa has been banned from tennis for three years and fined $5,000 after admitting to match-fixing and failing to report a corrupt approach to the Tennis Integrity Unit (TIU).
The third year of ineligibility and the fine of $5,000 are suspended provided no further breaches of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program (TACP) occur during the three-year period.
The case against Mr Diaz-Figueroa, 28, was adjudicated by independent Anti-Corruption Hearing Officer Prof Richard H McLaren and based on an investigation by the TIU.
In a decision announced on 13th November, Prof McLaren found the player guilty of match-fixing offences relating to the Czech Republic F12 ITF Futures tournament played in November 2017.
The finding of guilt and imposition of the suspension means that with immediate effect Mr Diaz-Figueroa is prohibited from playing in or attending any sanctioned events organised or recognised by the governing bodies of the sport.
The breaches of the 2017 TACP for which he has been sanctioned are as follows:
Section D.1.d: "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.i: “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 as soon as possible.”
Mr Diaz-Figueroa is currently ranked 723 in singles and reached a career-best of 326 in October 2011.
The Tennis Integrity Unit is an initiative of the Grand Slam Board, the International Tennis Federation, the ATP and the WTA, who are jointly committed to a zero tolerance approach to corruption in tennis.
Ends
Published 14 November 2018 09:00
