ITIA bans tennis official for life over corruption charges

Atanasov, a national-level official, was found guilty of 21 breaches of the ITIA Tennis Anti-Corruption Programme (TACP). 

These offences, which the Bulgarian effectively admitted liability for, took place between 2019 and 2023. They include manipulating scoring data of matches for betting purposes, facilitating wagering and betting on tennis. Other charges include conspiring to commit corruption offences and failing to report corrupt approaches.

Atanasov, who has officiated at ITF $15K and $25K tournaments in Bulgaria, is now banned from tennis for life. This means he cannot officiate at or attend any event authorised by ITIA members or national associations.

In addition, Atanasov is having to pay a $10,000 (£8,078/€9,370) fine.

Another ban for tennis corruption

Atanasov is the latest individual to feel the wrath of the ITIA as it continues its clampdown on corruption in tennis.

Earlier this month, the ITIA banned Spanish player Aaron Cortes for 15 years after he was also found guilty of corruption. Offences include contriving the outcome of events and accepting money to impact outcomes of events.

The 29-year-old had a career-high world singles ranking of 955 in September 2017. He is not able to play at or attend events again until 6 March 2039.

Also this month, Italian official Manuel Guion was suspended for five years and six months. Again, this was in relation to breaches of the TACP, with ban running until 4 August 2029.

In March, Croatian official Marko Stojanovic was also suspended for five years and six months. The ITIA identified multiple breaches of the TACP, including manipulating match data to facilitate betting.