Three Nigerian tennis players suspended over match-fixing allegations

The Tennis Integrity Agency (TIA) has sanctioned three Nigerian players for breaching its tennis anti-corruption programme. The sanctions relate to a match-fixing scheme uncovered in 2023.

The 35-year-old Henry Atseye acknowledged six infractions from 2017 to 2018. He assisted with match fixing and betting alongside Karim Hossam, who has a life ban. Atseye got a 2.5-year suspension and a $10,000 fine.

Sylvester Emmanuel, 26, and Christian Paul, 29, were also penalized after failing to respond to ITIA charges, effectively admitting to six violations each, including match-fixing, accepting bribes, and failing to report corrupt approaches. Both were handed three-year bans (6 November 2024–5 November 2027) and $10,000 fines.

These actions follow a criminal case in which syndicate leader Grigor Sargsyan was jailed for five years. The banned players cannot participate in, coach, or attend ITIA or national tennis association events during their suspensions.