Six tennis players arrested in match-fixing probe

Spanish authorities have arrested 34 people, including six tennis players, as part of an investigation into allegations of match-fixing in lower-tier tournaments.

According to the Associated Press news agency, the probe covers events across Spain and Portugal, with those detained said to be involved in a network that made $500,000 (€438,500) from fixing matches in Futures and Challengers contests.

Spanish players arrested as part of the investigation were not identified, but authorities said they are ranked between No. 800 and 1,200 in the world, with the police adding that evidence of match-fixing activities had been found in 17 men’s competitions.

If found guilty of corruption in sport, each of the 34 individuals arrested could face up to four years in prison.

The Tennis Integrity Unit (TIU), the sport’s anti-corruption body that received a tip from a player over possible match-fixing activities, said in an email: “Investigation of corruption allegations by law enforcement agencies takes precedence over tennis disciplinary action.

“The TIU will continue to work co-operatively with [Spanish police] and offer its full support and access to resources.”

Khalid Ali, who serves as secretary general of betting integrity body ESSA, added in a statement there is “concern at the continuing integrity issues within the sport”, adding that the association “welcomed the more proactive approach to combatting match-fixing being displayed by the sport's governing authorities”.

Ali added: “ESSA continues to liaise closely with the Tennis Integrity Unit and share data surrounding potential corruption.”

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