A tennis official from Bolivia, Eriveto Morales Churata, received a six-year suspension from the sport due to involvement in match manipulation. Churata was deemed to have altered match scores during the ITF World Tennis Tour in 2021 and 2022, inputting inaccurate data into his mobile device for wagering gains.
The punishment, which encompasses a $10,000 financial penalty, was issued by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). The sanction bars Churata from officiating or even being present at any tennis competition authorized by the ITIA until December 7, 2028.
This situation underscores the ITIA’s dedication to combating dishonesty in tennis across all levels, extending beyond just athletes. Previously this year, two Algerian competitors were also penalized for match-fixing, with one receiving a permanent ban. In the preceding year, a Bulgarian chair official encountered comparable sanctions for placing bets on matches. These measures convey an unambiguous message that any type of unethical conduct will result in severe repercussions within the realm of tennis.
