Corruption Scandal Rocks Tennis World as Massive Five-Figure Fine Gets Slapped 35-Year-Old French Player

In 2017, former world number one Maria Sharapova faced a temporary ban from tennis for 15 months for using a banned drug. Though the Russian claimed she was unaware of the ban, she was using the medicine, ‘Meldonium,’ for 10 years.

Recently in July, Mikael Ymer faced a ban of 18 months after failing to turn up for 3 doping tests in 12 months. Hours ago, an ATP player was permanently banned from tennis and was slapped with a hefty fine for involving in betting.

A French tennis player faces lifetime ban for indulging in corruption

Alexis Musialek, 35, who held the career-highest ranking of 255, was issued a permanent ban and a fine of $50,000 by The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). The French player failed to adhere to the anti-corruption norms for 3 years. Musialek was found guilty of fixing matches in 2016, 2017, and 2018.

This act comes under the violation of the laws laid by the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program (TACP). According to the ITIA, Musialek was involved in a total of 39 breaches during the 3 years. The Frenchman violated the laws by fixing 9 matches which accounted for his ban. He was also charged with non-cooperation and non-furnishing of evidence.

The official Twitter account of the ITAI took to Twitter to announce the ban officially. Musialek’s ban came into effect on the 5th of this month but was announced to the public today, on the 17th.

READ MORE: Doping Haunts Tennis World Yet Again as 58-Year-Old Tennis Player Slapped With Ban for Violating Rules

The ITAI released a total of 23-page decision in which the sanctions, allegations, violations, and judgment were clearly explained. But he is not the only player who faced a lifetime ban this year.

Two other ATP players were banned before Alexis Musialek by ITIA

In June this year, Slovenian player Nastja Kolar and an American Alexandra Riley were banned on the same day. The charges they faced are similar to that of Musiaek, and TACP issued a permanent ban on both players. Kolar was fined $175,000, while Riley was fined $50,000. The judgment was issued by an independent Anti-corruption Hearing Officer (AHO) who concluded that the players exhibited no remorse.

The Slovenian had committed 25 offices, which earned him a fine close o the maximum penalty of $250,000. The American committed 15 offenses, and both the players indulged in offenses between 2015 and 2020. Kolar reached the top 200 in both singles and doubles, while Riley’s career-high was 691.

Currently, former WTA No. 1 Simona Halep is facing doping charges and awaiting a verdict. Though she was an official entrant of the US Open 2023, it is still unclear about her participation as she is under trial.

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