Tennis umpire banned for six years over 12 anti-corruption breaches
What's the story
Juan Gabriel Castro, a national-level tennis umpire hailing from the Dominican Republic, has been handed a six-year ban and a $6,000 fine by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). The sanction was imposed for 12 breaches of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program (TACP). Castro did not respond to an ITIA notice of charge related to three matches, leading to accusations of "manipulating scoring entry to contrive the scorecard and facilitate corruption."
Ban details
Castro's suspension period includes provisional suspension
As per TACP regulations, those failing to respond to ITIA's investigations and arbitration process may be handed a "Deemed Sanction." This sanction can be appealed within 10 business days to an independent Anti-Corruption Hearing Officer. Castro didn't appeal against the imposed sanction. Hence, his lengthy suspension and fine. He had been "provisionally suspended" since November 7 of the previous year, which will be credited toward his ineligibility term.
Restrictions
Castro's return date and restrictions outlined
The ITIA has said Castro won't be able to "officiate or attend" any tennis events authorized by its members until his suspension ends in 2030. This includes events run by ATP, ITF, WTA, Tennis Australia, Federation Francaise de Tennis, Wimbledon, and USTA. The ban also extends to any national association activities during this period. The ITIA is dedicated to maintaining integrity in tennis and has been working closely with the betting industry to tackle corruption issues promptly.