Tennis official Marko Ducman faces 10-year suspension

In a significant development within the realm of tennis, Marko Ducman, a bronze-badge tennis official, has admitted to four violations of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Programme (TACP).

As a consequence, Ducman has been met with a substantial 10-year and six-month suspension, accompanied by a punitive fine of £60,000 ($75,000), of which £45,000 ($56,250) is suspended. This decision was reached following an inquiry in which Ducman fully cooperated with the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA).

Ducman’s infractions involve betting on tennis matches and manipulating data from matches in which he served as an official, with the aim of promoting betting activities.

The severity of the penalties reflects the gravity of these match corruption violations. The Slovenian umpire, who has previously officiated at ATP, WTA, and ITF events, will no longer be permitted to attend any professional tennis tournament.

The decision to suspend Ducman was made under a specific section of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Programme, emphasising the potential undermining of tennis integrity and the necessity of a provisional suspension to prevent harm.

The suspension, effective immediately, will be backdated, expiring on March 7, 2034. During this period, Ducman is prohibited from attending or officiating at any tennis event sanctioned or allowed by major tennis associations and Grand Slam tournaments.

The ITIA’s official statement on the matter reads, “The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) today confirms that Slovenian tennis official Marko Ducman has been suspended from the sport for 10 years and six months after admitting to breaches of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program (TACP). Ducman, an international-level official, admitted to four breaches of the TACP, including wagering on tennis matches and manipulating data from matches in which they were an official to facilitate betting. Ducman, a bronze-badge official who has officiated at ITF, ATP and WTA tournaments, co-operated fully with the ITIA investigation and accepted an agreed sanction, waiving their right to a hearing before an independent Anti-Corruption Hearing Officer. Ducman has also been fined $75,000, with $56,250 suspended.”

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