LONDON — In a significant development within the world of tennis, a tennis official from Bosnia-Herzegovina has faced severe consequences. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has imposed a four-year suspension on Damjan Dejanovic for six violations of the tennis anti-corruption program. These violations include betting on professional tennis matches, a serious offense that undermines the integrity of the sport.

Consequences and Fines

Dejanovic's punishment not only includes a substantial four-year suspension but also a fine of 5,000 euros, approximately $5,285. This serves as a deterrent and a message that such unethical behavior will not be tolerated. He has officiated at International Tennis Federation tournaments where the prize money reached $15,000, highlighting the importance of maintaining the integrity of these events.

Admission and Denial

The ITIA stated that Dejanovic admitted to wagering on tennis matches, acknowledging his wrongdoings. However, he denied charges related to manipulating entry of scoring data. An independent hearing officer, after a thorough examination, found him liable for six alleged breaches of the rules that occurred from 2022 to 2023. This shows the meticulousness with which the ITIA investigates such cases to ensure justice is served.

Provisional Suspension and Expiration

Dejanovic was provisionally suspended on January 8th, and he will receive credit for this time. As a result, his ban will expire on January 7th, 2028. This period allows for a significant amount of time for him to reflect on his actions and potentially seek rehabilitation. It also serves as a reminder to other tennis officials and participants about the importance of adhering to the anti-corruption program.The ITIA's actions in this case are a crucial step in safeguarding the integrity of tennis. Such suspensions and fines send a strong message that betting on matches and any form of corruption will not be tolerated within the sport. Tennis enthusiasts around the world can have confidence in the fairness and integrity of the games they love, knowing that the ITIA is committed to upholding these values.