Bolivian Tennis Official Receives Six-Year Ban for Match Manipulation

A tennis official from Bolivia, Eberto Morales Churata, has received a six-year suspension from the sport due to match manipulation. Churata was deemed to have intentionally inputted inaccurate results into his handheld device during ITF World Tennis Tour competitions in 2021 and 2022, actions connected to wagering endeavors.

The organization tasked with preserving integrity in professional tennis, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), imposed the penalty, which encompasses a $10,000 financial sanction. This prohibition effectively bars Churata from participating in any ITIA-sanctioned tournaments until December 2028.

This instance underscores the ITIA’s continuous efforts to combat match-fixing, focusing on both athletes and officials who compromise the impartiality of the game. Previously this year, two Algerian competitors also encountered penalties for comparable transgressions. Mohammed Hassan received a permanent ban and a substantial fine, while Houria Boukholda was prohibited for two years, with a portion of the suspension and penalty deferred.

In the preceding year, Bulgarian chair umpire Stefan Milanov also faced disciplinary action for placing bets on tennis matches, further illustrating the ITIA’s dedication to upholding the sport’s integrity across all ranks.