ITIA suspends three tennis players for match fixing

Each suspension came into effect on 25 July and will remain in place until the ITIA decides sanctions. Each case relates to breaches of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Programme (TACP).

Kazakhstan’s Khabibulin, who reached a career-high ATP singles ranking of 753 in 2016, was found to have breached the TACP 18 times between 2014 and 2018.

In the case of Fayziev, he committed five breaches of the TACP following an approach from Khabibulin. The Uzbeki national had a career-high ATP ranking of 253 in 2017.

Finally, Smilansky of Israel breached the TACP three times after also being approached by Khabibulin. He had a career-high ATP ranking of 451 in 2018.

Tennis match fixing – corrupt approaches

The players were collectively found to have contrived aspects of matches, related to tennis match fixing. They were also ruled to have facilitated wagering, failed to report corrupt approaches and, in Khabibulin’s case, offered money to negatively influence players’ best efforts. 

The decision on sanctions for the three players will follow in due course. Meanwhile, the suspension prohibits the players from competing in or attending sanctioned tennis events organised or recognised by the sport’s governing bodies.

Independent Anti-Corruption Hearing Officer (AHO) Janie Soublière ruled on the cases and upheld the initial ITIA charges.