Moroccan tennis player banned for life in record match fixing ruling

Rachidi, who had a career-high ATP ranking of 472, is permanently prohibited from playing in, coaching at or attending any tennis event authorised or sanctioned by the governing bodies of tennis.

Ruled on by independent anti-corruption hearing officer Janie Soublière, the match fixing case was uncovered following law enforcement investigations in conjunction with the ITIA in Belgium.

Rachidi was found to be involved in match fixing with two Algerian players who were also recently banned by the ITIA.

In addition to the life ban, Rachidi was handed a fine of $34,000 (£28,098/€31,675).

Specific breaches of the 2017 and 2018 Tennis Anti-Corruption Programmes (TACP) included section D.1.d, which states no player or other covered person shall contrive the outcome or any other aspect of an event.

The case also highlighted section D.1.e whereby individuals must not solicit or facilitate any player to not use their best efforts, as well as D.1.g, in relation to players not offering any money, benefit or other consideration to negatively influence a player’s best efforts.

In addition, Rachidi was found to have breached section D.2.a.i, which requires all covered persons to report any approach of match fixing to the ITIA as soon as possible.

The latest ruling comes after the ITIA this week also issued a four-year ban to French player Sherazad Reix after she was found guilty of six match-fixing charges.