Bulgarian Tennis Official Pavel Atanasov Receives Lifetime Ban for Breaching Anti-Corruption Program

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has dealt a severe blow to corruption in the sport by imposing a lifetime ban on Bulgarian tennis official Pavel Atanasov. The decision comes after Atanasov was found guilty of multiple breaches of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program (TACP) spanning from 2019 to 2023.

Initially, Atanasov contested the charges at the national level but later withdrew his appeal before an independent Anti-Corruption Hearing Officer (AHO). Richard Young, the presiding AHO, handed down the lifetime ban along with a $10,000 fine, which took effect on 4 March 2024.

Atanasov's admission of liability encompassed a wide range of offenses, including manipulating match scoring data for betting purposes, facilitating wagering, conspiring to commit corruption offenses, betting on tennis matches, and failing to report corrupt approaches. These actions undermined the integrity of the sport and violated the trust placed in officials by players, fans, and the tennis community at large.

As a result of the ban, Atanasov is permanently barred from officiating or attending any tennis event authorized or sanctioned by ITIA members. This includes events organized by the ATP, ITF, WTA, Tennis Australia, Fédération Française de Tennis, Wimbledon, USTA, and any national association.

The ITIA's decision to impose a lifetime ban on Atanasov sends a strong message that corruption in tennis will not be tolerated. The agency remains committed to maintaining the integrity of the sport and protecting it from the negative influence of match manipulation, betting, and other corrupt practices.

This case follows another recent ITIA decision involving Peruvian tennis player Luis Horna, who was fined and given a six-month suspended ban for breaching betting sponsorship rules. Horna had entered into a contract with a betting operator to provide professional services and promote tennis betting, which is prohibited under the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program.

The ITIA's vigilance and decisive action in both cases demonstrate the organization's unwavering commitment to upholding the integrity of tennis. By imposing strict penalties on those who breach the Anti-Corruption Program, the ITIA aims to deter others from engaging in similar misconduct and maintain the sport's reputation for fairness and honesty.

As tennis continues to grow in popularity worldwide, the ITIA's role in safeguarding the sport from corruption becomes increasingly crucial. By working closely with players, officials, and other stakeholders, the agency strives to create a culture of integrity and ensure that tennis remains a sport that fans can trust and enjoy for generations to come.