An Algerian player, expelled from tennis for life

The Algerian tennis player Aymen Ikhlef has been banned from tennis for life after an investigation by the Tennis Integrity Unit (TIU) uncovered multiple violations of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program (TACP) rules by the player. The player has also been fined $ 100,000.

The disciplinary case was handled by Anti-Corruption Hearing Officer Richard McLaren, who found that Ikhlef committed 10 TACP violations. The subsequent sanction means that, as of December 11, 2020, the player is permanently prohibited from playing or attending any tennis event authorized or sanctioned by the governing bodies of tennis.

Aymen Ikhlef, who his best position in the ATP ranking was 1,739, was found guilty of four cases of match-fixing, two cases of requesting other players not to try hard enough, three cases of failing to report a corrupt approach and one count of failing to cooperate with the TIU investigation.

The Tennis Integrity Unit is an initiative of the Grand Slam Board, the International Tennis Federation, the ATP and the WTA and was established to promote, encourage, enhance and safeguard the integrity of professional tennis throughout the world. As of January 1, 2021, the TIU will become a new and independent body: the International Agency for Tennis Integrity.