The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) today confirms that two tennis players have been sanctioned under the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program.
22-year-old Joshua Muhire, from Rwanda, was charged with two breaches of the TACP (D.1.b, facilitation of betting, and D.1.d, contriving the outcome of an Event) relating to a match played in September 2023. Muhire, unranked, denied the charges.
A hearing was held via video conference on 9 December 2024 before independent Anti-Corruption Hearing Officer (AHO) Diana Tesic, following which AHO Tesic upheld the charges and issued a suspension of two years and six months.
Muhire has been suspended since 24 February 2025, the date of the written decision, and their period of ineligibility will end at midnight of 23 August 2027.
On 31 January 2025, 22-year-old Anna Lytneva, from Russia, was charged with four breaches of the TACP (D.1.d, contriving the outcome of an Event, D.1.e, facilitating a player not to use their best efforts, D.1.n, conspiring to commit a corruption offense, and D.1.o, soliciting), relating to activity in 2023. Lytneva, who reached a career-high ITF singles ranking of 1377 in April 2022, did not respond to the charges.
A ‘Deemed Sanction’ may be issued to individuals who elect not to respond to the ITIA’s investigations and arbitration process. Individuals have 10 business days to appeal the imposition of a Deemed Sanction to an independent Anti-Corruption Hearing Officer. Lytneva did not appeal.
A 12-month suspension and a fine of $5,000 (of which $3,000 is suspended) - entered into effect on 25 February 2025. Lytneva’s period of ineligibility will end on 24 February 2026.
During their periods of ineligibility, Muhire and Lytneva are prohibited from playing in, coaching at, or attending any tennis event authorised or sanctioned by the members of the ITIA (ATP, ITF, WTA, Tennis Australia, Fédération Française de Tennis, Wimbledon and USTA) or any national association.
The ITIA is an independent body established by its tennis members to promote, encourage, enhance, and safeguard the integrity of their professional tennis events.
To access the full Muhire decision, click here.
Ends
Published 14 March 2025 14:00
