The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has imposed sanctions on three Nigerian tennis players for violating the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program (TACP).
These actions are related to a 2023 criminal case involving a match-fixing syndicate, which, following investigations by the ITIA and Belgian authorities, led to the syndicate leader Grigor Sargsyan being sentenced to five years in prison.
The cases were overseen by independent anti-corruption hearing officer Amani Khalifa.
The individuals penalized include 35-year-old Henry Atseye, who admitted to committing six breaches of the TACP between 2017 and 2018.
Atseye collaborated with Karim Hossam (banned for life in 2018) to manipulate match outcomes and assist in betting. His penalty includes a suspension of two years and six months, and a fine of $10,000.
Notably, Atseye's suspension will start on October 14, 2024, and end on April 13, 2027.
The other two players, 26-year-old Sylvester Emmanuel and 29-year-old Christian Paul, were also found guilty. Both players did not respond to the ITIA charges, effectively admitting to the responsibilities stipulated under the TACP.
They were each accused of six offenses in 2017 and 2018, including match-fixing, assisting in betting, accepting bribes, and failing to report corrupt activities.
Each has been suspended for three years—from November 6, 2024, to November 5, 2027—and fined $10,000.
During their suspension, all three players are prohibited from participating in, coaching, or attending any events approved by ITIA members or national tennis associations.
