In response to a number of corrupt acts, the International Tennis Integrity Agency has banned Bulgarian official Pavel Atanasov for life.
Atanasov was found guilty by the ITIA Tennis Anti-Corruption Programme of (TACP) of 21 violations.
The Bulgarian admitted responsibility for these crimes, committed between 2019 and 2023. These include the manipulation of match scores for wagering purposes, facilitation of betting and tennis betting. The charges also include conspiracy to commit crimes of corruption and failure to report corrupt practices.
Atanasov is banned for life from playing tennis. He has been a referee at ITF tournaments of $15k and $25k in Bulgaria. He is now banned from all tennis events.
Atanasov must also pay an additional $10,000 fine (PS8,078/EUR9370).
Tennis corruption: another ban
Atanasov has become the latest person to be punished by the ITIA, as the organization continues its crackdown on tennis corruption.
In a recent ruling, ITIA also banned Spanish footballer Aaron Cortes from playing for a period of 15 years. He was found guilty as well. The ITIA has banned Spanish player Aaron Cortes for 15 years after he was also found guilty of corruption.
In September 2017, the 29-year old had achieved a new career high in singles rankings, 955. The 29-year-old is not allowed to attend or play in any events until March 6, 2039.
Manuel Guion, an Italian official, was also suspended this month for five years six months. This was also in connection with breaches of TACP. The ban runs until 4 August 2029.
Marko Stojanovic, a Croatian official, was suspended in March for 5 years 6 months. ITIA found multiple violations of TACP including manipulation of match data for betting.
