Daniel Koellerer banned for life and fined heavily for match fixing – Tennis News
World number 385, Daniel Koellerer of Austria, has been banned from playing professional tennis for life and has been charged a fine of US$100, 000 after he was found guilty of disciplinary charges. The Austrian was penalised under the Uniform Tennis Anti-Corruption Program and will not be able to play the sport for his remaining life.
The Tennis Integrity Unit had been established by a joint effort of the Grand Slam Committee, the International Tennis Federation, the ATP World Tour and the Women’s Tennis Association. A part of the Uniform Tennis Anti-Corruption Program, its basic purpose was to enforce ethical behaviour in tennis players.
The former world number 55 has been accused of violating the Uniform Tennis Anti-Corruption Program during October 2009 and July 2010. The Austrian was charged with contriving or attempting to contrive the outcome of an event and soliciting or facilitating a Player not to use his or her best efforts in an Event under Article D of the 2010 edition of the program.
The accusation came into light when a Tennis Integrity Unit made its investigation against Koellerer and then further progress was made by an independent Anti-Corruption Hearing Officer, which took place in London on 27-28 April. Solid evidences were found against the Austrian tennis player and such heavy penalty was imposed on him on by the Tennis Integrity Unit on Tuesday.
For the reason of confidentiality, the authorities have decided not to publicise the detailed hearing or decision. The Tennis Integrity Unit (TIU) declared that banning Koellerer for rest of his life will set a good example for other players in the professional tennis circle to abide by the disciplinary code of conduct and avoid any activities which might bring disgrace to the sport.
Koellerer’s life ban will take effect immediately from Tuesday’s decision and the Austrian will not be eligible to take part in any competition organised by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) and his name will be stricken off from the world rankings list.
Playing in mostly Futures this year, the Austrian had not participated in any ATP events this season. His career ends with much shame and no titles or accolades to his name.
Such heavy penalty on a tennis player will certainly have great positive effects upon the upcoming younger players, who will learn from this Tennis Integrity Unit’s ruling and will be discouraged from indulging in unethical activities.
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