The Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) has suspended Jack Main, Prakash Jiwa, and Andy Jenkins amid suspicions of irregular betting activity during the Modus Super Series matches. The DRA announced the suspensions and revealed plans for a thorough investigation into the alleged betting concerns.
Suspensions and Players Under Scrutiny:
Prakash Jiwa, who had secured a spot in the upcoming World Darts Championship through an Indian qualifier, faces uncertainty regarding his participation due to the suspension. Jack Main’s scrutiny is tied to a Modus Super Series match against Lisa Ashton, with Ashton not implicated in any wrongdoing. The specific matches related to Jiwa and Jenkins are yet to be confirmed.
Formal Hearing and Disciplinary Committee:
A formal hearing before the DRA Disciplinary Committee is scheduled to address the allegations against Jiwa and Jenkins. Nigel Mawer, the DRA Chairman, has suspended both players from attending or participating in DRA-sanctioned events during the investigation.
Parallel to Recent Sporting Disciplinary Actions:
The suspension of darts players over suspicious betting activities aligns with recent disciplinary actions in other sports. Notably, in October, the Football Association (FA) took multiple disciplinary actions against football players involved in illegal match betting. This surge in disciplinary actions underscores the increasing vigilance and stringent measures against betting-related misconduct in various sports.
Global Context and Similar Cases:
The global sports landscape has witnessed similar instances of disciplinary actions related to betting. In October, the FA penalized football players, including Curtis Burrows, Liam Dolman, Lee Tomlin, and David Northfield, for their involvement in illegal betting activities on matches. Moreover, the case of Sandro Tonali, an Italian National player, receiving a global ban for illegal betting further emphasizes the severity of consequences associated with such activities.
The DRA’s proactive approach in suspending darts players over alleged betting irregularities demonstrates a commitment to maintaining the integrity of the sport. The forthcoming formal hearing and investigation will shed light on the extent of the allegations. This development aligns with broader efforts across sports organizations to curb and penalize any form of betting-related misconduct, safeguarding the credibility of competitive events.