Three Nigerian tennis players sanctioned for match-fixing violations
The sanctions are linked to a 2023 criminal case involving a match-fixing syndicate, which culminated in a five-year prison sentence for the syndicate leader.
Key points:
– Three Nigerian tennis players were sanctioned for match-fixing and other TACP violations
– Suspensions range from 2.5 to 3 years, alongside $10,000 fines for each player
– The ITIA highlighted its collaboration with Belgian authorities to address criminal syndicate activity
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has sanctioned three Nigerian tennis players for breaches of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program (TACP).
These actions are linked to a 2023 criminal case involving a match-fixing syndicate, which culminated in a five-year prison sentence for syndicate leader Grigor Sargsyan following investigations by the ITIA and Belgian authorities.
The cases were overseen by independent Anti-Corruption Hearing Officer Amani Khalifa.
Among those penalised is 35-year-old Henry Atseye, who admitted to six TACP violations committed between 2017 and 2018.
Atseye collaborated with Karim Hossam – banned for life in 2018 – to manipulate match outcomes and facilitate wagering. His penalties include a suspension of two years and six months, as well as a $10,000 fine.
Good to know: Atseye’s suspension commenced on 14 October 2024 and will conclude on 13 April 2027
Two other players, 26-year-old Sylvester Emmanuel and 29-year-old Christian Paul, were also found guilty. Both players failed to respond to ITIA charges, effectively admitting liability under TACP regulations.
Each was held accountable for six violations, including match-fixing, facilitating wagers, accepting bribes and failing to report corrupt approaches during 2017 and 2018.
They were each handed three-year suspensions – effective 6 November 2024 to 5 November 2027 – alongside $10,000 fines.
All three players are prohibited from participating in, coaching at, or attending events sanctioned by ITIA members or national tennis associations during their suspensions.
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