ITIA targets Egypt integrity push with new partnership

The initiative will allow the ITIA and ETF to work together to deliver bespoke anti-corruption education and prevention programmes in Egypt.

The co-operation was agreed at a recent tournament in the Egyptian capital of Cairo, which delivered a series of education sessions for players, coaches, parents and officials. The sessions provided information about the Tennis Anti-Corruption Programme (TACP) and Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (TADP) rules. 

The new programme, whereby the ITIA links up with a national federation and focuses on a country or region, is the first of its kind. It is hoped that the initiative will be developed and expanded to include other sporting and regulatory bodies in Egypt.

“Some time ago, several players from Egyptian tennis were sanctioned within a short time of each other and we saw a spate of international players match fixing at events hosted in Egypt,” ITIA chief executive Jonny Gray said.

“Following positive discussions with the Egyptian Tennis Federation, we have developed this programme. They are as keen as we are to ensure that all players are given clear information about the rules that are in place to protect the sport.”

ETF vice president Hassan El Aroussy added: “It is hugely important for the whole country and the rest of the world to know that Egyptian tennis takes integrity issues seriously. The issues of the past can be used as lessons for the future, and we look forward to working closely with our colleagues from the ITIA.”