Three Nigerian tennis players penalized for match-fixing offenses.

Three Nigerian Tennis Players Sanctioned for Match-Fixing and TACP Violations

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has sanctioned three Nigerian tennis players for violations of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program (TACP), including match-fixing and other offenses.

Key Details:

• Suspensions: Ranging from 2.5 to 3 years.
• Fines: Each player faces a $10,000 fine.
• Collaboration with Authorities: The ITIA worked with Belgian authorities to dismantle a criminal syndicate linked to these violations.

The sanctions stem from a 2023 criminal case involving a match-fixing syndicate led by Grigor Sargsyan, who received a five-year prison sentence after investigations by the ITIA and Belgian authorities. Independent Anti-Corruption Hearing Officer Amani Khalifa presided over the cases.

Details of Sanctioned Players

1. Henry Atseye
   • Age: 35
   • Violations: Six TACP breaches between 2017 and 2018, including collaborating with banned player Karim Hossam to fix matches and facilitate wagers.
   • Penalty:
     • Suspension: 2 years and 6 months (14 October 2024 to 13 April 2027).
     • Fine: $10,000.
   • Atseye admitted to the charges and cooperated with the investigation.
2. Sylvester Emmanuel
   • Age: 26
   • Violations: Six TACP breaches, including match-fixing, facilitating wagers, accepting bribes, and failing to report corrupt approaches during 2017 and 2018.
   • Penalty:
     • Suspension: 3 years (6 November 2024 to 5 November 2027).
     • Fine: $10,000.
   • Emmanuel did not respond to ITIA charges, effectively admitting liability.
3. Christian Paul
   • Age: 29
   • Violations: Same as Emmanuel, with six TACP breaches involving match-fixing and corruption-related offenses.
   • Penalty:
     • Suspension: 3 years (6 November 2024 to 5 November 2027).
     • Fine: $10,000.
   • Paul also failed to contest the charges.

Restrictions During Suspensions

All three players are prohibited from participating in, coaching at, or attending events organized by ITIA member organizations or national tennis associations during their suspensions.

ITIA’s Commitment to Integrity

The ITIA emphasized its dedication to protecting tennis from corruption and praised its partnership with Belgian authorities in addressing criminal syndicate activities. The agency remains vigilant in enforcing anti-corruption measures to uphold the sport’s integrity.