Stefan Milicevic receives a 24-year tennis ban and heavy fine from the ITIA for widespread match-fixing and corruption.
Professional tennis has been rocked by one of the heaviest anti-corruption penalties in its history, as Serbian player Stefan Milicevic received a 24-year suspension for extensive match-fixing activities.
The sanction, which effectively bans the 29-year-old athlete until October 2050, was handed down by the International Tennis Integrity Authority after a thorough investigation into lower-tier professional tournaments.
In addition to the ban, Milicevic was hit with a £53,000 fine for fixing multiple matches and recruiting other professionals into a corrupt network, according to information published by BBC.
Stefan Milicevic match-fixing charges
Investigators from the International Tennis Integrity Authority revealed that Stefan Milicevic was officially charged with fixing a total of six professional matches, including five where he was actively competing on the court.
Furthermore, the 29-year-old Serbian player faced additional charges for attempting to fix another six matches between the years 2022 and 2024, operating primarily on the lower rungs of the professional tennis ladder where he once reached a career-high world ranking of 1,338th back in 2014.
ITIA severe tennis corruption penalty
The severity of the punishment, which is one of the strictest issued outside of a lifetime ban, was significantly amplified by the player's blatant lack of co-operation during the formal independent investigation.
According to the International Tennis Integrity Authority, Stefan Milicevic simply did not engage with the disciplinary process despite receiving seven separate contact attempts from the independent watchdog organization.
Recruiting players into a corrupt network
Beyond his own matches on the professional tour, investigators found that Stefan Milicevic actively recruited or attempted to recruit multiple professional tennis players as part of a wider corrupt network.
As a direct result of these recruitment efforts, other players involved in the syndicate have also faced formal accusations of match-fixing from the International Tennis Integrity Authority as authorities crack down on lower-tier corruption.
Strict restrictions during the 24-year ban
Under the terms of the 24-year suspension, Stefan Milicevic is barred from participating in any capacity until October 2050, when he will reach the age of 53.
The restriction explicitly prohibits him from playing in, coaching at, or even attending any official events organized or sanctioned by major bodies including World Tennis, the WTA, the ATP, the Grand Slams, or any national association.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Stefan Milicevic banned from tennis until 2050?
Stefan Milicevic received a 24-year ban because the International Tennis Integrity Authority found him guilty of fixing multiple matches, recruiting other players into a corrupt network, and completely refusing to co-operate with investigators.
How many matches was Stefan Milicevic accused of fixing?
The Serbian player was charged with fixing six matches, including five in which he competed himself, alongside attempting to fix another six matches between 2022 and 2024 on the lower professional tour.
What penalties did the ITIA give to Stefan Milicevic?
Stefan Milicevic was handed a 24-year suspension lasting until October 2050, a £53,000 financial fine, and a total ban from playing, coaching, or attending any events sanctioned by major tennis organizations.
Are other tennis players being investigated for match-fixing?
Yes, tennis anti-corruption bodies like the International Tennis Integrity Authority continue to crack down on syndicates, recently penalizing French player Quentin Folliot for similar match-fixing operations.
