"29 years old, yet banned from tennis until 53": Shocking 24-year suspension... Match-fixing in six matches led to the recruitment of teammates

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

A 29-year-old tennis player has been barred from stepping onto the court for a staggering 24 years. The reason is match-fixing.

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced on the 16th (Korean time), "Serbian tennis player Stefan Milicevic (29) has been handed a 24-year suspension and a fine of $70,000 (approximately 100 million won) for seriously violating tennis anti-corruption regulations."

Milicevic's disciplinary action began on the 9th. It will continue until October 8, 2050.

It was not merely a case of being involved in match-fixing in one or two matches.

According to the ITIA, Milicevic was suspected of fixing the outcomes of a total of six matches between 2022 and 2024. Of these, five were matches in which Milicevic himself participated.

Additionally, charges were brought for attempting to fix the outcomes of another six matches.

He even dragged other players into it. The ITIA revealed that during the same period, Milicevic recruited or attempted to recruit several professional players as part of a corruption network. In fact, investigations found that other players participated in match-fixing through this process.

He did not cooperate with the investigation either. The ITIA began investigating Milicevic's match-fixing allegations in 2026. Subsequently, it contacted Milicevic on no fewer than seven occasions through various channels to request a response, but he refused to participate in the investigation.

The ITIA explained, "After completing the investigation, we issued a 'Notice of Serious Breach' to Milicevic last September," adding, "However, Milicevic did not respond to this either."

Ultimately, in accordance with relevant regulations and ITIA sanction guidelines, Milicevic was handed a severe penalty consisting of a 24-year suspension and a fine of $70,000 (approximately 100 million won).

Milicevic is a player who reached a personal best career ranking of No. 1,338 in the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) men's singles rankings in August 2014.

With this disciplinary action, it has become virtually impossible for him to continue his playing career. Currently 29 years old, Milicevic will be 53 by the time the suspension ends in 2050.

Activity restrictions are also strict. During the suspension period, Milicevic is not allowed to compete as a player in tournaments organized or approved by the ATP, Grand Slams, and national tennis associations.

He is also prohibited from working as a coach. He is even not permitted to visit the venue of such tournaments for the purpose of spectating.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original