Three Tunisian chair umpires have been handed lengthy bans by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) after being found guilty of match-fixing charges. This shocking revelation has sent shockwaves through the tennis community and highlights the ongoing battle against corruption in the sport.
Three Umpires Convicted of Match-Fixing Charges
Majd Affi, a green badge chair umpire, has been banned for an astounding 20 years. The charges against him spanned from 2017 to 2020 and amounted to a total of 12 counts of match-fixing. Similarly, Mohamed Ghassen Snene, also a green badge chair umpire, and Abderahim Gharsallah, a white badge chair umpire, received seven-year bans for their involvement in a match-fixing incident that occurred in Tunisia in 2020.
Manipulation of Scores: Violations of Tennis Anti-Corruption Programme (TACP)
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) revealed that the charges against the umpires revolved around their manipulation of scores entered into electronic scoring devices, which did not reflect the actual scores on the court. These actions directly violated the Tennis Anti-Corruption Programme (TACP) regulations, specifically sections D.1.b and D.1.d of the 2020 TACP. Section D.1.b prohibits any covered person from facilitating or being involved in wagering on the outcome or any other aspect of a tennis event, while section D.1.d forbids the contrivance of the outcome or any other aspect of an event.
Additional breaches of the TACP were discovered in Affi’s case, including violations of section D.2.c of the 2017 TACP, related to failure of reporting obligations, and a failure of duty regarding section F.2.b, which requires covered personnel to cooperate fully with investigations and preserve evidence.
Sanctions and Effective Dates of the Bans
As a result of the hearings conducted by independent anti-corruption hearing officer Jane Mulcahy QC, the bans for all three umpires were imposed. Majd Affi’s ban was backdated to his provisional suspension and will be effective from November 6, 2020, until November 5, 2040. Similarly, Mohamed Ghassen Snene and Abderahim Gharsallah’s bans were also backdated to their provisional suspensions and will run from November 6, 2020, until November 5, 2027.
Commitment to Integrity: Independent Adjudication and Investigation
The independent adjudication of this case by Jane Mulcahy QC underscores the commitment of the tennis community to maintaining integrity in the sport. It ensures transparency and upholds the values that make tennis a fair and honorable game. The thorough investigation conducted by the ITIA demonstrates their dedication to combating corruption and protecting the integrity of the sport at all levels.
The ban of three Tunisian chair umpires for their involvement in match-fixing is a stern reminder of the ongoing challenges faced in maintaining integrity in professional tennis. The sanctions imposed by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) highlight the commitment of the tennis community to preserve fair play and protect the sport from corruption. Such decisive actions not only serve as a deterrent but also safeguard the trust of players and fans worldwide.As the battle against match-fixing continues,it is imperative for all stakeholders to remain vigilant and actively cooperate with anti-corruption measures. Through the joint efforts of governing bodies, independent adjudicators, and players, tennis can uphold its reputation as a sport built on integrity and fair competition.