TIU hands Enrique Lopez Perez big suspension because of match fixing

Former world No. 154 Enrique Lopez Perez has been handed an eight-year ban for fixing the outcome of three matches in 2017 and also fined $25,000, the Tennis Integrity Unit (TIU) announced on Monday. 

Lopez Perez, who currently doesn't have a ranking in the ATP list, hasn't appeared in any events this year as his last appearance on a tennis court came in 2019 November. 

Lopez Perez, who turned professional in 2009, made $501,753 in prize money over the course of his career. 

Lopez Perez, who is now 29 years old, likely won't ever again play tennis professionally as it's hard to see him trying to make a comeback when his suspension expires in eight years.

"Spanish tennis player, Enrique López Pérez has been banned for eight years after an investigation by the Tennis Integrity Unit (TIU) found that he had partaken in three separate instances of match fixing activity in 2017. Additionally, he has been fined $25,000 (US)," the TIU said in a statement released.

"The disciplinary case was heard by Anti-Corruption Hearing Officer Richard McLaren on 5 November 2020. He found that Enrique López Pérez breached the rules of the Tennis Anti-corruption Programme (TACP) three times at tournaments in 2017, with two further charges unproven."

Lopez Perez banned from playing any events 

"The subsequent sanction means that from today, 1 December 2020, the player is prohibited from playing in or attending any tennis event authorised or sanctioned by the governing bodies of tennis for eight years," the TIU statement confirmed.

"Mr López Pérez who had a highest ATP singles ranking of 154 (13/08/2018) and a highest ATP doubles ranking of 135 (22/04/2019), had been provisionally suspended on 19 December 2019 prior to the hearing.

"The breach of the Tennis Anti-corruption Programme (TACP) that Enrique López Pérez has been found guilty of is:

"Section D.1.d. of the 2017 TACP:

“No Covered Person shall, directly or indirectly contrive or attempt to contrive the outcome or any other aspect of any Event.”

Lopez Perez has never won an ATP title in either singles or doubles. 

His career-high ranking in doubles came last year, when he climbed up to No. 135 on the doubles ranking list.

Lopez Perez's best result as a pro came in 2019 March, when he won his first and lone Challenger title in Zhuhai.

Lopez Perez, who never made his singles main draw debut at the Grand Slam level, enjoyed success on the Futures level, winning 25 titles in 34 finals.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3g0crbH