Tennis Official Banned for Four Years Over Corruption Charges
A tennis official from Bosnia-Herzegovina, Damjan Dejanovic, has been banned for four years after being found guilty of six corruption-related offenses by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). Alongside his suspension, Dejanovic is required to pay a $5,300 fine and will be prohibited from attending any tennis events or participating in a professional capacity until January 2028.
Suspension and Fine for Betting Offenses
Dejanovic’s suspension stems from his involvement in multiple instances of corruption, including betting on tennis matches. Despite admitting to placing bets, he denied any allegations of using his position to manipulate match outcomes or adjust official records to his benefit. However, the ITIA’s investigation, which began in January 2024, led to his suspension, with the period of suspension starting to count towards his penalty.
Dejanovic officiated at a Tennis Federation event with a $15,000 prize pool, where his actions raised red flags. His ban is part of a wider effort by tennis authorities to clamp down on corruption and maintain the integrity of the sport.
The case highlights the growing scrutiny tennis officials face, especially as sports gambling becomes more widespread. With betting activity increasing globally, integrity organizations like the ITIA have become key players in monitoring and addressing potential corruption in the sport.
Tennis Remains a Target for Manipulation
Tennis has been a particular focus for integrity watchdogs, and recent cases underscore the sport’s vulnerability to manipulation. Last year, ITIA issued a lifetime ban to French player Alexis Musialek for 39 violations of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program.
Furthermore, the ITIA’s actions in November against three Nigerian players, who were accused of being involved in a match-fixing syndicate in Belgium, demonstrate the continued efforts to root out corruption.
The International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) has consistently flagged tennis as one of the sports most susceptible to corruption, particularly because of the large number of low-paid players who may be more vulnerable to exploitation. While the sport continues to grapple with corruption issues, organizations like ITIA remain committed to taking action to safeguard its integrity.
