An Algerian tennis player has been suspended. ITIA

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has announced that Algerian tennis player Mohamed Ali Abibsi has been suspended for two years and six months and fined $10,000 (€9,230) for violations of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program (TACP).

Abibsi, who achieved a career-high singles ranking of 1438 in 2023, faced charges for failing to comply with a demand and failing to cooperate with an ITIA investigation. 

An independent Anti-Corruption Hearing Officer (AHO), Ian Mill KC, conducted a hearing on 25 January, 2024, and upheld both charges. A subsequent hearing on 14 March, 2024, allowed both parties to present their arguments regarding the appropriate sanction.

AHO Mill found Abibsi guilty of TACP violations, specifically for not cooperating with an ITIA investigation, including refusing to submit personal devices for examination as requested in writing by ITIA investigators. Consequently, Abibsi received a suspension of two years and six months and a fine of $10,000 (€9,230).

Abibsi has been provisionally suspended since 19 May, 2023, with this period credited towards his overall suspension. Therefore, his suspension will conclude at midnight on 18 November, 2025.



During his suspension, Abibsi is banned from playing, coaching, or attending any tennis event authorised or sanctioned by ITIA members, including the ATP, ITF, WTA, Tennis Australia, Federation Francaise de Tennis, Wimbledon, and USTA, as well as any national association events.

The ITIA is an independent organisation established by its tennis members to promote, encourage, enhance, and safeguard the integrity of professional tennis worldwide.

This announcement follows the lifetime ban of Venezuelan tennis official Armando Belardi for 26 violations, including facilitating wagering, manipulating match outcomes, and soliciting money or benefits to undermine a player's performance.

Belardi had previously received a 30-month suspension for failing to cooperate with an investigation. By not responding to the ITIA charges, he admitted liability for all accusations and accepted the sanctions. The case was adjudicated by independent Anti-Corruption Hearing Officer (AHO) Janie Soubliere, who also imposed a fine of $75,000 (€68,984).