The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has issued long-term suspensions to a French tennis player and a Bulgarian tennis official for multiple offenses.
French tennis pro Leny Mitjana has received a ten-year suspension and a $20,000 fine due to 11 violations of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program (TACP). Despite denying the charges, independent anti-corruption hearing officer (AHO) Philippe Cavalieros found Mitjana guilty of facilitating wagering, manipulating match outcomes, influencing other players not to use their best efforts, and failing to report corrupt approaches. Mitjana’s suspension will run from December 22, 2023, to December 21, 2033, during which time he will be prohibited from participating in any tennis event sanctioned by the ITIA or any national association.
A few days later, the ITIA announced the suspension of Bulgarian tennis official Stefan Milanov for 16 years. Independent AHO Amani Khalifa found Milanov guilty of committing 17 TACP violations related to five matches he umpired in 2021. These breaches included direct or indirect wagering facilitations, manipulating scoring data, conspiring to commit corruption offenses, and failing to cooperate with the ITIA investigation. Milanov’s failure to respond to the allegations was considered an admission of liability. Consequently, Milanov has been fined $75,000 and will be prohibited from officiating at or attending any tennis event sanctioned by the ITIA or any national association from December 28, 2023, to December 27, 2039.
Previously, the ITIA issued a 10-year suspension to Slovenian tennis umpire Marko Ducman for similar TACP violations.
The ITIA remains committed to safeguarding the integrity of tennis and protecting the sport from fraud and match manipulation.
For more information, visit the ITIA’s official website.
