ITIA Suspends Tunisian Tennis Player Anis Ghorbel for Match-Fixing
Date: 2024-01-23 Author: Dima Zakharov Categories: SPORTS BETTING
In a significant development in the world of tennis, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has suspended Tunisian player Anis Ghorbel for a period of three years due to his involvement in corruption related to a larger match-fixing case in Belgium. The decision, which was made on 4th January 2024, will keep Ghorbel out of the sport until 3rd January 2027.
Ghorbel has been found guilty of four violations of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Programme (TACP), leading to his suspension and a substantial $20,000 fine. These offenses are linked to match-fixing activities that took place in 2016 and 2017. Despite the charges against him, Ghorbel maintains his innocence.
The specific breaches of the TACP include two instances related to section D.2.a.i, involving the failure to report a corrupt approach. Additionally, one breach was noted under section D.1.b, which pertains to facilitating betting on match outcomes, and another under section D.1.d, which deals with contriving the outcome or aspects of a match.
This suspension effectively bars Ghorbel from participating in, coaching, or even attending tennis events authorized by ITIA members or national associations.
Ghorbel is just the latest player to face consequences in the ongoing match-fixing case in Belgium. Collaborative efforts between the ITIA and Belgian authorities have resulted in significant penalties, including a five-year prison sentence for syndicate leader Grigor Sargsyan.
Notably, the ITIA's crackdown on match-fixing has led to the suspension of a total of 22 players and officials in the past three months, highlighting the agency's commitment to maintaining the integrity of professional tennis.
