ATP: Decisions in the Cases of Potito Starace and Daniele Bracciali

PRESS RELEASE

London, U.K. — The ATP, governing body of the men’s professional tennis circuit, announced today that Potito Starace, Italy, and Daniele Bracciali, Italy, have been found to have committed an offence under Article C.1 of the 2007 ATP Tennis Anti Corruption Program, namely wagering on the outcome or any other aspect of an ‘Event’ (tennis matches or competitions).
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An ATP investigation launched in August 2007 found that Mr. Starace had wagered on tennis matches during a period dating from 21 February 2006 through 23 May 2006.

In addition, an ATP investigation launched in August 2007 found that Mr. Bracciali had wagered on tennis matches during a period dating from 17 May 2004 through 24 January 2005.

The findings in both cases were presented to the independent Anti-Corruption Hearing Officer, Dr. Peter Bratschi.

The independent Anti-Corruption Hearing Officer confirmed in the case of Potito Starace that an offence had been committed under the Tennis Anti Corruption Program and determined that Mr. Starace should be suspended from participation on the ATP Tour for a period of six weeks, commencing on 31 December 2007 and ending on 10 February 2008. Mr. Starace was also fined $30,000.

The independent Anti-Corruption Hearing Officer confirmed in the case of Daniele Bracciali that an offence had been committed under the Tennis Anti Corruption Program and determined that Mr. Bracciali should be suspended from participation on the ATP Tour for a period of three months, commencing on 31 December 2007 and ending on 30 March 2008. Mr. Bracciali was also fined $20,000.

The ATP dismisses in the strongest terms claims made by both players and the Italian Federation that the ATP had deliberately held back these cases. The ATP received the information that triggered these investigations in August 2007 via a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with the European Sports Security Association (ESSA). That MOU was signed in January 2007. 

“The ATP’s Tennis Anti Corruption Program, communicated to all players on a regular basis, states clearly and unambiguously that gambling on tennis by players, associates or staff will not be tolerated. This has been the case since the Tour’s inception in 1990,” said Gayle David Bradshaw, ATP’s Executive Vice President, Rules and Competition. “The ATP will continue to use all available means to ensure that no player or support staff is betting on tennis and will instigate disciplinary proceedings against anyone found to be doing so. Not knowing the rules is not an excuse. Everyone connected to the ATP Tour has a duty to understand and respect the rules, especially those designed to protect the integrity of our sport.”

About ATP Tennis Anti Corruption Program

The ATP Tennis Anti Corruption Program was established in 2003 to police the integrity of men’s tennis. Covering all players and player associates, it prohibits wagering on any form of tennis and any attempt to affect the outcome of an ATP tennis match. Full details of the rules, sanctions and procedures are included in the ATP rule book, which can be downloaded from the About ATP section of the ATP website:

www.atptennis.com/en/aboutatp/organization.asp