The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has imposed strict penalties on three officials found guilty of entering false match data to support betting activities. The offenses occurred between 2018 and 2021 and resulted in one lifetime ban and two multi-year suspensions.
Luis Rodriguez, Antonio Sosa, and Wellingthon Lopez manipulated scoring data during matches played in the Dominican Republic. Despite denying the allegations, all were found guilty through independent hearings.
Key Figures and Sanctions:
- Luis Rodriguez: Falsified data in 6 matches between 2018 and 2020. Received a lifetime ban and a $15,000 fine. Ban effective from 21 January 2025.
- Antonio Sosa: Found guilty of data manipulation in 2 matches in 2021. Handed a 5-year suspension and a $3,000 fine. Ban retroactive to October 2022, ending October 2027.
- Wellingthon Lopez: Involved in 2 matches during 2019 and 2020. Received a 4.5-year suspension and a $1,000 fine. Ban applied from October 2021, ending April 2026.
The case follows a broader crackdown by the ITIA on corruption in tennis. Earlier this month, five players received sanctions for involvement in a Belgium-based betting syndicate linked to convicted match-fixer Grigor Sargsyan.
These developments underscore ITIA’s continued focus on maintaining data integrity and upholding trust in professional tennis.