Egyptian tennis player Mostafa Hatem has been handed a three-year ban from the sport, following an investigation by the Tennis Integrity Unit (TIU). Mr Hatem admitted two breaches of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Programme (TACP) rules and in addition to the ban, a year of which is suspended, he has also been given a suspended fine of $3,000.

Mr Hatem’s case was ruled on by Anti-Corruption Hearing Officer Jane Mulcahy QC. Taking into account the player’s admission of guilt, she ruled the player is banned from playing in or attending any tennis event authorised or sanctioned by the governing bodies of tennis until 8 October 2022.

Mr Hatem had a highest ATP ranking of 1556 and admitted to the following breaches of the TACP:

D.2.a.i: “In the event any Player is approached by any person who offers or provides any type of money, benefit or Consideration to a Player to (i) influence the outcome or any other aspect of any Event, or (ii) provide Inside Information, it shall be the Player’s obligation to report such incident to the TIU as soon as possible.”

D.1.d: “No Covered Person shall, directly or indirectly, contrive or attempt to contrive the outcome or any other aspect of the Event.”

The Tennis Integrity Unit is an initiative of the Grand Slam Board, the International Tennis Federation, the ATP and the WTA and established to promote, encourage, enhance and safeguard the integrity of professional tennis worldwide. From 1 January 2021, the TIU will become part of the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA).

Ends

Published 21 December 2020 12:00

Tennis you can trust

Protect the sport

Make the right call - if you are worried that corruption or doping may be taking place, share your concerns with us.