Five French Tennis Players Caught in Match-Fixing Scandal.

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has announced sanctions against five French tennis players for violating the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program (TACP). The investigation concerns match-fixing that occurred in Belgium in 2023. The organizer of the criminal group, Grigor Sargsyan, was sentenced to five years in prison.

One of the French tennis players, Yannick Thivan (38 years old), received a lifetime ban after admitting his involvement in 22 match-fixing incidents, including 16 of his own matches that took place between 2017 and 2018. The decision to impose the harshest sanctions was made by Professor Richard McLaren, who acts as an independent anti-corruption judge.

Thoma Brechemier (28 years old) was banned for 7 years and 6 months for his involvement in 11 match-fixing incidents. He was also fined $40,000, of which $27,500 was suspended.

Gabriel Petit (29 years old) received a ban of 6 years and 6 months for failing to respond to ITIA's allegations. The court imposed a fine of $35,000 on him.

Thoma Setodji (29 years old) was banned for 10 years following accusations of fixing three matches and failing to provide information regarding an attempted bribe.

Yugo Dobyas (28 years old) received a two-year suspension for admitting to tanking during two matches that took place in 2017.

During the period of sanctions, the players will not be allowed to participate in tournaments, train, or be present at any official competitions sanctioned by the ITIA.

According to the International Tennis Integrity Agency, around 30 players have received various forms of suspensions for collaborating with Grigor Sargsyan.

These sanctions indicate a serious approach to combating corruption in tennis and the importance of maintaining integrity in the sport.