Sanctions Linked To 2023 Criminal Case
The sanctions are linked to a 2023 criminal case involving a match-fixing syndicate, which culminated in a five-year prison sentence for the syndicate leader.
Key Points:
- Three Nigerian tennis players were sanctioned for match-fixing and other TACP violations
- Suspensions range from 2.5 tо 3 years, alongside $10,000 fines for each player
- The ITIA highlighted its collaboration with Belgian authorities to address criminal syndicate activity
ITIA Sanctions Three Players For Breaching Anti-Corruption Program
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has sanctioned three Nigerian tennis players for breaches of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program (TACP).
Connection To 2023 Criminal Case
These actions are linked to a 2023 criminal case involving a match-fixing syndicate, which culminated in a five-year prison sentence for syndicate leader Grigor Sargsyan following investigations by the ITIA and Belgian authorities.
Independent Oversight Of The Cases
The cases were overseen by independent Anti-Corruption Hearing Officer Amani Khalifa.
Details Of Henry Atseye’s Sanctions
Among those penalised is 35-year-old Henry Atseye, who admitted to six TACP violations committed between 2017 and 2018. Atseye collaborated with Karim Hossam – banned for life іn 2018 – tо manipulate match outcomes and facilitate wagering. His penalties include a suspension оf two years and six months, as well as a $10,000 fine.
Good to know: Atseye’s suspension commenced on 14 October 2024 and will conclude on 13 April 2027
Sanctions For Sylvester Emmanuel And Christian Paul
Two other players, 26-year-old Sylvester Emmanuel and 29-year-old Christian Paul, were also found guilty. Both players failed to respond to ITIA charges, effectively admitting liability under TACP regulations.
Each was held accountable for six violations, including match-fixing, facilitating wagers, accepting bribes and failing tо report corrupt approaches during 2017 and 2018.
They were each handed three-year suspensions – effective 6 November 2024 tо 5 November 2027 – alongside $10,000 fines.
Prohibition From ITIA-Sanctioned Events
All three players are prohibited from participating in, coaching at, or attending events sanctioned by ITIA members or national tennis associations during their suspensions.
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