LONDON, May 20, 2024 (ITIA Press Release)

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) today confirms that Venezuelan tennis official Armando Belardi has been banned for life following 26 breaches of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program (TACP).

Belardi, a national-level official who previously served a 30-month suspension for failure to co-operate with an investigation, did not respond to the ITIA’s charges. The case was ruled on by independent Anti-Corruption Hearing Officer (AHO) Janie Soublière, who also issued Belardi a fine of $75,000.

In failing to respond to the ITIA charges, Belardi effectively admitted liability for all charges and acceded to sanctions.

The breaches included facilitation of wagering, contriving the outcome of matches, and soliciting money or benefit to negatively influence a player’s best efforts.

The ban is effective from 7 May 2024, the date of the decision. As such, Belardi is permanently prohibited from attending any tennis event authorised or sanctioned by the members of the ITIA (ATP, ITF, WTA, Tennis Australia, Fédération Française de Tennis, Wimbledon and USTA) or any national association.

The ITIA is an independent body established by its tennis members to promote, encourage, enhance, and safeguard the integrity of professional tennis worldwide.

To access the full decision, click here.