Match-fixing scandal: Three players sanctioned and fined with one banned for life
Tennis NewsWednesday, 01 November 2023 at 22:30
Tennis
players Timur Khabibulin , Sanjar Fayziev, and Igor Smilansky have been
sanctioned by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) for
match-fixing.
The
integrity organization has issued sanctions in a recent match-fixing scandal
that has rocked the tennis world, involving activities related to match fixing.
It underwent a thorough investigation by the independent Anti-Corruption
Hearing Officer (AHO), Janie Soublière, who confirmed the charges brought by
the ITIA against the three players.
The
suspension was imposed under section G.4.a of the Tennis Anti-Corruption
Program (TACP) 2022:
"In
the event that the Covered Person is found liable of one or more of the charges
against them, and a sanction is not determined at the same time as the decision
on liability, the AHO, either of the AHO’s own volition or on an application by
the ITIA, must impose a Provisional Suspension pending the final decision on
sanction."
Timur
Khabibulin has been banned from the sport for life and fined $60,000.
Khabibulin faced a total of 21 individual charges related to match-fixing
spanning from 2014 to 2019.
Read also
Sanjar
Fayziev, a native of Uzbekistan with experience in the ATP doubles rankings,
has received a three-year and six-month suspension, along with a $15,000 fine
(with an additional six months of suspension). Fayziev faced five charges
related to match-fixing involving two matches in 2018.
On the
other hand, Igor Smilansky, an Israeli tennis player with a history in the ATP
singles rankings, has been suspended for two years and fined $4,000 (with
$1,000 suspended). Smilansky faced three charges related to match-fixing, all
related to a match in 2018.
The
sanctions will begin from the date of the players' provisional suspensions,
which is July 25, 2023. During this period, Fayziev and Smilansky are
prohibited from playing, training, or attending tennis events authorized or
sanctioned by ITIA members. Khabibulin, on the other hand, faces a
lifetime ban.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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