The Tennis Integrity Unit (TIU) has issued Brazil’s Joao Souza with a temporary suspension from the sport as part of an ongoing investigation.
Souza, who has been ranked as high as 69th in the world back in 2015, is under investigation over breaches of the sport’s anti-corruption programme. Although the TIU hasn’t elaborated on what offences Souza is being investigated for. The temporary suspension came into effect on March 29th.
“Mr Souza is prohibited from competing in, or attending, any sanctioned event organised or recognized by the governing bodies of the sport for the duration of his suspension.” A statement from the TIU reads.
Souza had been planning to play in Challenger events in both Mexico and America. In recent months he has been playing on the lower-level Future and Challenger tour. He hasn’t played in the main draw of an ATP event since the 2017 Sao Paulo Open.
The case is being handled by professor Richard H McLaren. Any experience anti-corruption hearing officer that has worked on many high profile incidents. Including the lifetime ban of Daniele Bracciali for match-fixing.
Souza is currently ranked 404th on the ATP Tour and has an ITF ranking of 12th on the transition Tour. He has played in the main draw of seven grand slams so far in his career. Souza’s best result on the ATP Tour was reaching the final of the doubles competition at the 2015 Ecuador Open alongside Victor Estrella Burgos.
Souza has not commented about his suspension, but is set to attend a hearing later this year.
Full statement
