Seven Belgian Tennis Players Suspended for Breaches of Anti-Corruption Program
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has confirmed the suspension of seven Belgian tennis players for admitting to breaches of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program (TACP). These players have been linked to a match-fixing syndicate in Belgium.
Collaboration between the ITIA and Belgian authorities resulted in the conviction of Grigor Sargsyan, the leader of the syndicate, who received a five-year custodial sentence.
The seven players – Arnaud Graisse, Arthur de Greef, Julien Dubail, Romain Barbosa, Maxime Authom, Omar Salman, and Alec Witmeur – were convicted by the criminal court and subsequently agreed on sanctions with the ITIA.
Provisionally suspended since May 2021, Witmeur, de Greef, and Barbosa have been charged in the criminal process in Belgium while being active players. The time served under provisional suspension will count towards their periods of ineligibility. Witmeur admitted to six breaches, while de Greef and Barbosa both admitted to nine breaches.
Here are the sanctions for these players:
– Arthur de Greef: Suspended for three years and nine months, with a $45,000 fine ($31,500 suspended). Suspension ends on 26 February 2025.
– Romain Barbosa: Suspended for three years and nine months, with a $45,000 fine ($31,500 suspended). Suspension ends on 26 February 2025.
– Alec Witmeur: Suspended for two years and seven months, with a $30,000 fine ($21,000 suspended). Suspension ends on 26 December 2023.
For the remaining four players – Graisse, Dubail, Salman, and Authom – their sanctions will take effect from the date of their agreed sanction.
Here are the sanctions for these players:
– Arnaud Graisse: Suspended for four years and ten months, with a $60,000 fine ($42,000 suspended). Suspension began on 2 October 2023 and will end on 1 August 2028.
– Julien Dubail: Suspended for three years and nine months, with a $45,000 fine ($31,500 suspended). Suspension began on 4 October 2023 and will end on 3 July 2027.
– Maxime Authom: Suspended for three years and nine months, with a $30,000 fine ($21,000 suspended). Suspension began on 28 October 2023 and will end on 27 July 2027.
– Omar Salman: Suspended for two years and seven months, with a $30,000 fine ($21,000 suspended). Suspension began on 9 October 2023 and will end on 8 May 2026.
These sanctions conclude the ITIA proceedings against Belgian players related to the Sargsyan match-fixing ring. However, cases involving syndicates and players from outside Belgium are still ongoing.
During the players’ suspensions, they are not allowed to participate in, coach at, or attend any tennis event authorized or sanctioned by the ITIA members, including the ATP, ITF, WTA, Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, US Open, or any national association.