The International Agency for Integrity in Tennis (ITIA for its acronym in English) reported this Wednesday that the director of Miami Masters 1,000 and extensionist James Blake received a fine of $56,250 for violating tennis betting sponsorship rules.
“Blake fully cooperated with the investigation and did not contest the charge,” ITIA added, indicating that it accepts the breach was unintentional and for this reason it is imposing a fine of $56,250, with an additional fine of $131,250 and a suspension of 18 months.
Additional fines and suspensions will not take effect unless there is a new violation of the rules within 18 months, which began on February 9, 2024.
As the director of the Miami tournament, Blake is considered a “covered person,” who must comply with the sport’s rules surrounding relationships with betting operators, the agency said.
In a note from the ITIA, Karen Moorhouse, its general director, commented: “Across all our members – the ATP, the WTA, the ITF and the Grand Slams – the rules prohibit recognized persons who have commercial relations with betting companies” .
“This case is more a matter of perception than corruption. The rules apply to players, coaches, officials and accredited tournament personnel, all of whom have the ability to influence results or access privileged that information,” he added.
“We encourage anyone in the sport who is unsure or considering commercial deals like this to contact us for guidance,” he stressed.
Source: La Verdad
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