Tennis Player Stefan Milicevic Banned for 24 Years Over Match-Fixing Scandal

Stefan Milicevic Receives Lengthy Ban for Match-Fixing

Stefan Milicevic, a Serbian tennis player, has been banned from professional tennis for 24 years and fined £52,808 ($70,000) by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). The penalty came after he was found guilty of fixing six matches and recruiting other players to join a corrupt network.

Investigations revealed that between 2022 and 2024, Milicevic attempted to fix an additional six matches. His efforts to involve fellow professionals led to multiple players engaging in match manipulation. Despite seven attempts by the ITIA to communicate with him, including a formal notice of major offense issued on September 24, Milicevic refused to respond or cooperate with the inquiry.

Details on Suspension and Career Background

The 29-year-old, who reached his highest singles ranking of world No. 1338 as a teenager in August 2014, is barred from participating in any events organized or sanctioned by World Tennis, WTA, ATP, Grand Slams, or national tennis bodies until October 8, 2050. This ban covers playing, coaching, and even attending official tennis events.

An ITIA spokesperson clarified that Milicevic's lack of cooperation did not affect the length of his suspension. Instead, the lengthy ban reflects the seriousness of the offenses and his role in recruiting others to commit corruption, a factor considered highly culpable under ITIA Sanctioning Guidelines.

Related Investigations and Cases

Marino Jakic, who partnered with Milicevic at an ITF World Tennis Tour event in Osijek, Croatia, in August 2023, is also under provisional suspension since June 24. The ITIA is investigating him for possible breaches of anti-corruption rules during 2023. Jakic appealed the suspension, but independent hearing officer Amani Khalifa upheld it in August, citing substantial evidence.

Milicevic’s refusal to engage meant his case never reached a formal hearing, resulting in a "deemed sanction" without a written decision. He played 11 professional matches from 2022 to 2024, all on the ITF Tour. In addition to competing, he had roles as a tennis student-athlete at the University of Minnesota and later as a coach at DePaul University in Chicago.

Context of Severe Penalties in Tennis Corruption

His 24-year ban surpasses the 20-year suspension given to Quentin Folliot last December. Folliot was labeled by the ITIA as a key figure in a syndicate influencing players and was charged with 27 violations of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program between 2022 and 2024. Despite denying all charges, Folliot was described by Khalifa as someone who actively recruited players to deepen corruption within professional tours.

• Milicevic's highest singles ranking: 1338 (August 2014)
• Fine imposed: £52,808 ($70,000)
• Ban duration: 24 years (until October 8, 2050)
• Matches played 2022-2024: 11 (ITF Tour)
• Attempted fixed matches: 6
• Confirmed fixed matches: 6