French tennis player Thomas Setodji has been handed a 10-year suspension by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) for his involvement in match-fixing activities. The decision comes as part of a broader crackdown on corruption within the sport, which has seen several players face severe penalties.
Setodji, who reached a career-high singles ranking of 794, was found guilty of fixing three matches in 2017 and failing to report a corrupt approach in 2018. In addition to the suspension, he has been fined $20,000 and ordered to pay €5,500 in restitution. The ITIA emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of tennis and ensuring that players adhere to the highest ethical standards.
The investigation into Setodji’s actions was linked to a criminal case involving a match-fixing syndicate based in Belgium. Collaboration between the ITIA and Belgian authorities led to significant sanctions against multiple players, including Setodji. The syndicate’s leader, Grigor Sargsyan, received a five-year custodial sentence for his role in orchestrating the illegal activities.
Setodji’s ban prohibits him from participating in, coaching, or attending any tennis events authorized by the ITIA or national associations during the suspension period. The ITIA’s efforts to combat corruption highlight the organization’s commitment to preserving the integrity of the sport and protecting its reputation.