May 07, (THEWILL) – Six Spanish players have been banned from tennis by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) after they were convicted of match-fixing, which the organisation described as “one of the most significant infiltrations of tennis by organised crime.”
In Spain, Marc Fornell Mestres, Jorge Marse Vidri, Carlos Ortega, Jaime Ortega, Marcos Torralbo, and Pedro Bernabe Franco, pled guilty to allegations of corruption. While Fornell and Marse, reached ranking highs of 236 and 562, respectively, the rest of the players was unranked.
All of the players were given two-year suspended prison sentences and fines and a larger case involving organised crime is still ongoing in Spain as well.
Following the completion of their criminal proceedings, the ITIA was able to sanction the players, with Fornell receiving the longest ban of 22 years and six months. Marse, Carlos Ortega, Tarralbo, and Bernabe, were all given a 15-year ban, while Jaime Ortega was given a seven-year and six-month sentence.
The players were also hit with fines ranging from €14,000 to €237,000, with large sections of the fines suspended. The sanctions, according to the ITIA, signal the conclusion of a five-year collaboration between the organisation, Spanish law enforcement agencies and the betting sector via the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA).
Jonny Gray, the ITIA chief executive said: “This is one of the most significant infiltrations of tennis by organised crime that we have seen. We welcome the involvement of law enforcement agencies and the prosecution of entire criminal networks, not just the players involved.
“This ruling sends a strong message that match-fixing is a crime which can see criminal convictions.
“I must pay tribute to our investigations, intelligence and legal teams who have worked tirelessly over the last five years or so to bring this case to its conclusion. We also had excellent cooperation between the ITIA and Spanish law enforcement agencies, as well as the unswerving support of the tennis bodies.
“Finally, we are hugely grateful to the betting industry for their evidence, leading to these convictions.”
For the duration of their bans, the players are prohibited from competing in or visiting any tennis tournament approved or sanctioned by any international tennis governing body or national organisation, according to the ITIA. Likewise, the players are unable to coach in the period.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
