In a shocking turn of events, five French tennis players have been hit with heavy fines and suspensions by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) after being found guilty of participating in match-fixing activities. This scandalous revelation comes as a part of the larger Belgian match-fixing scandal that rocked the tennis world back in 2023.
The ITIA revealed that these players were involved in a match-fixing syndicate led by Grigor Sargsyan, which operated within the lower tiers of tennis. The sanctions imposed on the players were a result of their involvement in a criminal case related to match-fixing in Belgium.
Among the players facing severe consequences is 38-year-old Yannick Thivant, who confessed to fixing a staggering 22 matches between 2017 and 2018, including 16 of his own matches. Thivant has been handed a lifetime ban from tennis, along with a hefty fine of $75,000 and €37,400 in restitution.
Another player, 28-year-old Thomas Brechemier, admitted to fixing 11 matches during the same period and has been slapped with a suspension of seven years and six months. Brechemier also faces a fine of $40,000, with $27,500 suspended.
Gabriel Petit, aged 29, received a six years and six months suspension along with a $35,000 fine for failing to respond to the ITIA’s charges. Thomas Setodji, also 29 years old, has been suspended for a decade and fined $20,000, in addition to €5,500 in restitution for his involvement in fixing three matches in 2017 and not reporting a corrupt approach in 2018.
Lastly, 28-year-old Hugo Daubias admitted to fixing two matches in 2017 and has been handed a two-year suspension and a $15,000 fine. Daubias chose not to appeal the charges, and his suspension will last until March 20, 2027.
The ITIA’s actions against these players serve as a stern warning against corruption and malpractices in the world of tennis. The French players have been held accountable for their historic breaches of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program, sending shockwaves through the tennis community.
