The ATP, governing body of the men’s professional tennis circuit, announced today that Alessio di Mauro, Italy, has been found to have committed an offence under Article C.1 of the 2007 ATP Tennis Anti Corruption Program, namely wagering on the outcome or any other aspect of an ‘Event’ (tennis matches or competitions).

An ATP investigation launched in April 2007 found that Mr Di Mauro, a 31-year old from Siracusa, Italy had wagered on tennis matches during a period dating from 2 November 2006 to 12 June 2007. The findings were presented to the independent Anti-Corruption Hearing Officer, Dr. Peter Bratschi.

The independent Anti-Corruption Hearing Officer confirmed that an offence had been committed under the Tennis Anti Corruption Program and determined that Mr Di Mauro should be suspended from participation on the ATP Tour for a period of 9 months, commencing on 12 November 2007 and ending on 12 August 2008. Mr Di Mauro was also fined $60,000.

“This ruling underlines the ATP’s stated policy of not tolerating players, associates or staff gambling on tennis. The ATP requested that the maximum sentence be imposed and whilst we would have preferred a longer suspension, we recognise that the independent Anti-Corruption Hearing Officer has to administer sanctions related to the specifics of the case and not as a general prevention,” said Gayle David Bradshaw, ATP’s Administrator, Rules & Competition. “This is the first player to be sanctioned under the Program and we found no evidence of any attempt by the player to bet on his own matches. We also found no evidence of any attempt to affect the outcome of any matches.”

About ATP Tennis Anti Corruption Program
The ATP Tennis Anti Corruption Program was established in 2003 to police the integrity of men’s tennis. Covering all players and player associates, it prohibits wagering on any form of tennis and any attempt to affect the outcome of an ATP tennis match. Full details of the rules, sanctions and procedures are included in the ATP rule book which can be downloaded in PDF format here.