Croatian umpire suspended by ITIA for 15 breaches of tennis anti-corruption program

Although players are often highlighted when it comes to violating tennis rules and sanctions, umpires and officials are also sometimes found guilty of flouting these sanctions.

Romanian tennis star Simona Halep is one of the bigger names who has been embroiled in a doping controversy, having initially been handed a four-year ban for violating International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) rules. However, the former World No.1 successfully appealed her case at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), with her ban being reduced to nine months. Halep is now set to return to tennis, and will make her much-anticipated return at the 2024 Miami Open.

Marko Stojanovic is a Croatian tennis official who has officiated tennis matches at the ITF level. On Wednesday, the ITIA issued a press release stating that he had admitted to 15 breaches of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Programs (TACP). As a result, he will be suspended for five years and six months. Stojanovic's crimes involved data manipulation of those tennis matches he officiated to enhance betting.

The Croatian complied with ITIA investigations and accepted the sanction, therefore surrendering his right to a hearing before an independent Anti-Corruption Hearing Officer (AHO). Additionally, he was fined $25,000, of which $18,750 has been suspended. The date of sanction is backdated to begin on February 19th, 2024, and will end on August 18th, 2029. As a result, he is restricted from participating in or attending any tennis tournament authorized by a member of the ITIA, including the four Grand Slam tournaments.