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The tennis world has been rocked by a major match-fixing scandal, with player Stefan Milicevic receiving a 24-year ban over corruption-related violations. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has also imposed a $70,000 fine on the player, who will be barred from professional tennis until October 2050.
According to the ITIA, Milicevic was accused of fixing tennis matches and attempting to recruit other players into a corrupt network. The lengthy suspension highlights the strict action taken against corruption and match manipulation in professional tennis.
Why Was Stefan Milicevic Banned for 24 Years?
Stefan Milicevic has been handed a 24-year suspension following allegations of match fixing and other serious integrity violations. According to the ITIA, the case involved six matches allegedly fixed by the player, including five in which he participated.
The investigation also identified allegations relating to six additional matches that were allegedly targeted for fixing between 2022 and 2024. Milicevic was further accused of attempting to involve other players in a corrupt network.
These allegations led to a significant penalty under the rules governing integrity in professional tennis.
Stefan Milicevic Match-Fixing Case: Key Allegations
The ITIA's case against Milicevic centres on alleged match manipulation and attempts to expand a corrupt network within tennis.
The main allegations include:
- Fixing six tennis matches, five of which he reportedly played in himself.
- Being linked to plans involving six additional matches between 2022 and 2024.
- Attempting to recruit other tennis players into a corrupt network.
These allegations formed part of the disciplinary proceedings that resulted in the lengthy suspension and financial penalty.
ITIA Investigation: Why Was the Tennis Player Punished?
The ITIA investigated the case in 2026 and stated that it made seven attempts to contact Milicevic during the proceedings. However, the player did not participate in the investigation or cooperate with the agency.
After completing the investigation on September 24, the ITIA issued a notice concerning the alleged serious violations. Milicevic did not respond to the notice. The agency subsequently imposed the suspension and financial penalty under its applicable rules.
The case highlights the importance of cooperation with tennis integrity investigations and compliance with the sport's disciplinary regulations.
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Stefan Milicevic Ban Details: Suspension Dates and $70,000 Fine
The ITIA's decision includes a lengthy suspension and a substantial financial penalty. Here are the key details of the case.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Player | Stefan Milicevic |
| Sport | Tennis |
| Suspension | 24 years |
| Ban begins | October 9, 2026 |
| Ban ends | October 2050 |
| Financial penalty | $70,000 |
| Investigating agency | International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) |
| Main allegations | Match fixing and attempts to recruit other players into a corrupt network |
During the suspension, Milicevic will be prohibited from playing professional tennis, coaching, and participating in events or activities authorised by the relevant tennis organisations, including the ATP, WTA, and national tennis associations.
Who Is Stefan Milicevic? Check His Career-Highest Tennis Ranking
Stefan Milicevic is a tennis player whose career-high world ranking was No. 1,338, achieved in August 2013.
His lengthy suspension will keep him away from professional tennis until October 2050. The case has also renewed attention on the risks posed by match fixing, which threatens fair competition and the credibility of professional sports.
Quentin Folliot Match-Fixing Case: Why Was He Banned for 20 Years?
Stefan Milicevic is not the only tennis player to face a lengthy suspension in a match-fixing case. French player Quentin Folliot received a 20-year ban in December 2025 in a separate case involving tennis corruption.
Folliot had achieved a career-high world ranking of No. 488 in 2022. His suspension was another high-profile disciplinary action in the sport's efforts to combat match manipulation.
What Does the Stefan Milicevic Case Mean for Professional Tennis?
The 24-year ban against Milicevic highlights the serious consequences of integrity violations in professional tennis. Match fixing undermines fair competition, damages the reputation of the sport, and weakens the trust of fans and players.
With the suspension scheduled to run until October 2050, the case underlines the importance of protecting the integrity of tennis. The ITIA continues to investigate alleged breaches of tennis integrity rules and enforce disciplinary measures against players found responsible for violations.
