Mexican tennis player banned over corruption charges

Ramirez Utermann, who had a career-high ATP ranking of 1,021, was found to have fixed the outcome or other aspects of matches in 2015, 2017 and 2018, and failed to report corrupt approaches to the ITIA.

This, the ITIA said, meant Ramirez Utermann was in breach of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program (TACP).

The case was dealt with under the 2021 TACP ‘Proposal for Disposition’ framework, which allowed for a sanction to be issued by the ITIA upon the player admitting to the charges, without the need for a formal hearing.

Specific rule breaches included section D.1.d of the 2018 TACP, whereby no covered person shall, directly or indirectly, contrive or attempt to impact, the outcome of any other aspect of an event.

The ITA also said Ramirez Utermann breached section D.2.a.i of the 2015, 2017 and 2018 TACP, which states if a player is approached by an individual offering any type of money, benefit or consideration to influence a match, this should be reported to the ITIA as soon as possible.

Ruling on the case, the ITIA handed Ramirez Utermann a one-year and 10-month ban from the sport, which, running from 12 November this year until 11 September 2023, means he will not be able to play in or attend any event authorised or sanctioned by any international tennis governing body or national association.

Ramirez Utermann was also issued a fine of $2,000 (£1,502/€1,766), with a further $8,000 suspended providing he does not commit any further breaches.

The ruling comes after the ITIA this week also banned six Moroccan tennis players following breaches of TACP rules.

Ayoub Chakrouni received a lifetime ban in addition to a $10,000 fine, while the other five offenders were banned for a combined total of 48 years.

Mohamed Zakaria Khalil, Soufiane El Mesbahi and Yassir Kilani all received nine-year bans along with a $5,000 fine. Anas Chakrouni was given a 10-year ban and $5,000 fine, while Amine Ahouda’s $5,000 fine came with an 11-year ban.