Serbian Tennis Player Stefan Milicevic Hit With 24-Year Match-Fixing Ban by ITIA
Serbian tennis player Stefan Milicevic has been handed a 24-year ban by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) for overseeing a "corrupt network" of match-fixing between 2022 and 2024. The 29-year-old was found to have fixed six matches (five of which he played in) and attempted to fix six others.
Serbian tennis player Stefan Milicevic has been banned from the sport for an astonishing 24 years, effective until October 8, 2050, after being found guilty of multiple match-fixing offenses and leading a 'corrupt network' of illicit activities. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced the severe sanction on Thursday, October 15, 2026, following a thorough investigation into the 29-year-old's conduct. UN Condemns ‘Appalling’ Racist Abuse Directed at Coco Gauff Following China Open 2026 Controversy.
Stefan Milicevic Banned for Match-Fixing
Milicevic, who never climbed higher than 1338 in the ATP singles rankings, was charged with fixing six matches, five of which he directly participated in, and attempting to fix six additional matches. These offenses occurred over a two-year period, spanning from 2022 to 2024.
Orchestrating a Corrupt Network
The ITIA's investigation revealed that Milicevic was not only involved in fixing his own matches but also played a central role in recruiting and attempting to recruit multiple other professional players into his match-fixing scheme. This extensive operation facilitated a number of other players in fixing matches, undermining the integrity of the sport.
The ITIA statement highlighted Milicevic's non-cooperation with the investigation as a significant factor in the severity of his punishment. Despite seven separate attempts by the ITIA to contact him through various channels, Milicevic consistently failed to engage with the inquiry.
Sanctions and Impact
In addition to the two-decade-plus ban, Milicevic has been fined US$70,000. The ban officially began on October 9, 2026, and will prevent him from participating in, coaching at, or attending any events organized or sanctioned by World Tennis, the WTA, ATP, the Grand Slams, or any national association until October 8, 2050.
This latest ruling underscores the ITIA's unwavering commitment to eradicating corruption from professional tennis. The agency consistently monitors suspicious betting patterns and takes stringent action against individuals found to be in breach of tennis's anti-corruption rules. China Open 2026: Coco Gauff Condemns ‘Insane’ Racist Abuse After Win Over Sun Xinran.
Key Facts on Stefan Milicevic's Ban
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Player Name | Stefan Milicevic (Serbian) |
| Age | 29 |
| Ban Duration | 24 years |
| Effective Date | October 9, 2026 |
| End Date | October 8, 2050 |
| Offenses | Fixing six matches (five played by him), attempting to fix six more, recruiting multiple players into a corrupt network between 2022 and 2024. |
| Fine | US$70,000 |
| Authority | International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) |
| Highest ATP Rank | 1338 (singles) |
The ITIA continues its efforts to maintain the highest levels of integrity within global tennis, sending a clear message that corrupt practices will not be tolerated and will be met with severe consequences for those who breach the sport's rules. This decisive action serves as a stark warning to any player considering involvement in such illicit activities.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 16, 2026 10:25 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).