The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has handed a four-year suspension to Damjan Dejanovic, a national-level tennis official from Bosnia and Herzegovina. This suspension follows multiple breaches of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program (TACP) between 2022 and 2023. Dejanovic, who has officiated at ITF $15K events, was found guilty of six violations, including wagering on professional tennis matches and corruption-related activities.

ITIA Suspends Tennis Official Damjan Dejanovic for Multiple Anti-Corruption Violations

Key Details of the Suspension

Violation Overview

The ITIA’s investigation into Dejanovic revealed serious breaches of integrity standards:

• Betting on Matches: Dejanovic admitted to placing wagers on professional tennis games, an action strictly prohibited under TACP guidelines.
• Data Manipulation Allegations: He contested charges related to tampering with match scoring data and conspiring in corrupt activities.
• Extent of Violations: The violations took place over two years, highlighting a pattern of non-compliance with tennis integrity standards.

Hearing and Ruling

The case was reviewed in a video conference hearing on 9 October 2024 by an independent Anti-Corruption Hearing Officer. Despite contesting some allegations, the ruling was firmly against Dejanovic, confirming his liability in multiple instances of misconduct.

The suspension will remain in effect until 7 January 2028, factoring in time already served under provisional suspension.

Penalties Imposed on Dejanovic

1. Four-Year Suspension:
   Dejanovic is barred from officiating or attending any tennis events authorized by key governing bodies, including:
   • ATP
   • ITF
   • WTA
   • Tennis Australia
2. This restriction applies at both the national and international levels, ensuring comprehensive exclusion from the sport.
3. Financial Penalty:
   In addition to the suspension, Dejanovic was fined €5,000 ($5,313). This penalty underscores the ITIA’s commitment to maintaining integrity within professional tennis.

Impact on Tennis Integrity

Broad Implications for Officiating Standards

Dejanovic’s suspension serves as a stark reminder of the rigorous ethical standards upheld within professional tennis. The ITIA’s enforcement of such penalties signals its unwavering resolve to combat corruption at all levels of the sport.

Past Incidents and Related Sanctions

The ITIA’s action against Dejanovic is part of a broader effort to address corruption in tennis. In recent months, several players and officials have faced similar sanctions:

• Nigerian Players Penalized: Three Nigerian players were sanctioned for match-fixing violations, with penalties linked to a 2023 criminal case involving a match-fixing syndicate.
• Syndicate Leader Sentenced: The leader of this syndicate received a five-year prison term, demonstrating the broader legal consequences of corruption in the sport.

ITIA’s Mission to Uphold Integrity

The ITIA’s role extends beyond investigating violations—it also focuses on educating officials and players about the importance of integrity. By issuing firm penalties and promoting awareness, the agency aims to deter future breaches and preserve the sport’s reputation.

Future Implications for Tennis Governance

Strengthening Compliance Measures

The suspension of Dejanovic highlights the need for enhanced compliance measures across all levels of tennis governance. Governing bodies may consider the following steps:

• Increased Monitoring: Utilizing advanced technology to detect suspicious activities in real-time.
• Comprehensive Training: Ensuring officials and players are well-informed about anti-corruption policies.
• Global Collaboration: Partnering with international law enforcement to address organized corruption.

Conclusion: The Suspension

The suspension of Damjan Dejanovic by the ITIA underscores the agency’s firm stance against corruption in professional tennis. By imposing stringent penalties and maintaining rigorous oversight, the ITIA continues to safeguard the integrity of the sport. These efforts not only protect the game but also ensure a level playing field for all participants.

FAQs About Damjan Dejanovic’s Suspension by the ITIA

1. Who is Damjan Dejanovic?

Damjan Dejanovic is a national-level tennis official from Bosnia and Herzegovina. He has officiated at International Tennis Federation (ITF) $15K events and was recently suspended for breaching tennis integrity regulations.

2. Why was Damjan Dejanovic suspended?

Dejanovic was suspended for multiple violations of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program (TACP) between 2022 and 2023. These violations include:

• Placing wagers on professional tennis matches.
• Allegedly manipulating match scoring data.
• Engaging in activities linked to corruption.

3. What is the duration of his suspension?

Dejanovic has been suspended for four years. His suspension started on 9 October 2024 and will remain in effect until 7 January 2028, with credit for time served under provisional suspension.

4. What financial penalty was imposed on Dejanovic?

In addition to the suspension, Dejanovic was fined €5,000 ($5,313) by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA).

5. What activities is Dejanovic prohibited from during his suspension?

During his suspension, Dejanovic is barred from officiating or attending any tennis events authorized by major tennis governing bodies, including:

• ATP
• ITF
• WTA
• Tennis Australia

These restrictions apply to both international and national-level competitions.

6. How was the ruling against Dejanovic determined?

The ruling was made during a video conference hearing held on 9 October 2024. An independent Anti-Corruption Hearing Officer reviewed the evidence and found Dejanovic guilty of multiple breaches, despite his contesting certain charges.

7. Does this suspension affect other aspects of tennis governance?

Yes, this suspension highlights the ongoing efforts by the ITIA to maintain integrity within the sport. It serves as a reminder to all players and officials of the strict ethical standards expected in tennis.

8. Are there other recent cases of tennis-related corruption?

Yes, the ITIA has handled several similar cases recently, including sanctions against three Nigerian players for match-fixing violations. These cases underscore the ITIA’s commitment to combating corruption at all levels of tennis.

9. What is the role of the ITIA in maintaining tennis integrity?

The International Tennis Integrity Agency is responsible for enforcing integrity standards, investigating violations, and educating players and officials about anti-corruption policies. Their efforts ensure fairness and trust within the sport.

10. What are the broader implications of this suspension?

Dejanovic’s suspension emphasizes the need for:

• Improved monitoring of match activities.
• Comprehensive education for officials and players about anti-corruption policies.
• Global cooperation to combat organized corruption in tennis.

11. How does the ITIA aim to prevent future violations?

The ITIA focuses on deterrence through strict penalties, awareness campaigns, and advanced monitoring systems to detect and address potential integrity breaches.