Two more players banned for match fixing

Uzbekistan’s Temur Ismailov has been banned for seven years after being found guilty of match fixing on three occasions, the Tennis Integrity Unit has announced.

Ismailov, who reached a ranking of No. 397 in 2016, last played in 2019.

“Temur Ismailov a 25-year-old tennis player from Uzbekistan, has been banned for seven years (with two suspended) and fined $12,000 after a Tennis Integrity Unit investigation found he had breached the Tennis Anti-Corruption Programme rules on several occasions relating to match fixing,” the TIU’s statement said.

“The disciplinary case was heard by Anti-Corruption Hearing Officer Janie Soublière and Mr Ismailov, who had a highest ATP singles ranking of 756, admitted being involved in match fixing on three occasions in 2014, 2015 and 2019.

“The subsequent sanction means that from 18 December 2020, the player is prohibited from playing in or attending any tennis event authorised or sanctioned by the governing bodies of tennis for seven years (with two years suspended).

“The period of Ineligibility will continue until such time as the fine is paid in full.

“The breach of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Programme that Mr Ismailov has been found guilty of is: “D.1.d of the 2014 TACP: “No Covered Person shall, directly or indirectly, contrive or attempt to contrive the outcome or any other aspect of any event.”

The TIU has also handed a three-year ban to Egypt’s Mostafa Hatem for breaching the rules.