The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has taken action against six players involved in offenses that undermine the integrity of the sport. These players have been banned for their alleged links to a criminal syndicate operating out of Belgium.
ITIA’s Ongoing Fight Against Match-Fixing
Despite these recent measures, the six players are part of a larger operation. A total of 30 players were connected to a match-fixing scheme run by Grigor Sargsyan, who has been sentenced to five years in prison.
Penalties Handed to Six Players
The most severe punishment in this round of enforcement is for 34-year-old Agustin Moyano from Argentina. He has been banned from professional events in any capacity, including attendance, for 15 years and fined $10,000.
The other five players facing penalties are David Guez, Jerome Inzerillo, Romain Bauvy, Yannick Jankovits, and François-Arthur Vibert. Their suspensions range from two to five years and seven months.
Details of the Penalties
| Player | Ban Length | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| David Guez | 4 years | $25,000 ($17,500 suspended) |
| Jerome Inzerillo | 5 years, 7 months | $50,000 ($35,000 suspended) |
| Romain Bauvy | 2 years, 3 months | $35,000 ($28,500 suspended) |
| Yannick Jankovits | 3 years, 6 months | $20,000 ($15,000 suspended) |
| François-Arthur Vibert | 2 years | $10,000 ($8,000 suspended) |
The highest-ranked player on this list is former world #116 David Guez, now 42. He will serve a four-year ban and pay $25,000, with $17,500 suspended. Jerome Inzerillo received a $50,000 fine, with $35,000 suspended, and will serve a five-year and seven-month ban. Vibert faces a two-year ban and must pay $10,000, with $8,000 suspended.
ITIA’s Continued Crackdown on Fraud
Both officials and players have come under ITIA scrutiny. The organization has issued numerous enforcement actions, including a recent ban on a tennis official from Bosnia-Herzegovina in December.
Match-fixing in tennis remains a significant issue, often driven by disillusioned players struggling to make a living. While there is insufficient awareness of the dangers and pitfalls of such behavior, the ITIA is committed to sanctioning criminal activities, as demonstrated by these recent actions.
