ITIA: Moroccan tennis player banned for life

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has confirmed that Younes Rachidi, a Moroccan former tennis player, has been banned from the sport for life after being found guilty of 135 match fixing offences. This is now the highest number of offences by one individual ever detected by the ITIA or its predecessor the Tennis Integrity Unit.

The sanction means that Rachidi, who had a highest ATP doubles ranking of 473, is permanently prohibited from playing in, coaching at or attending any tennis event authorised or sanctioned by the governing bodies of tennis.

The case was ruled on by independent Anti-Corruption Hearing Office Janie Soublière who found all charges proved, the 135 breaches “egregious” and imposed a fine of $34,000 in addition to the life ban.

Rachidi was involved in match fixing with two Algerian players recently banned by the ITIA with the cases uncovered following law enforcement investigations in conjunction with the ITIA in Belgium.

The ITIA is an independent body established by the International Governing Bodies of Tennis to promote, encourage, enhance and safeguard the integrity of professional tennis worldwide.