Stefan Milicevic Banned for 24 Years for Match-Fixing and Corruption Network

The International Tennis Integrity Agency announced a 24-year suspension and a $70,000 fine against Serbian tennis player Stefan Milicevic for severe breaches of anti-corruption rules, Mundo Deportivo reported. The penalty, which spans nearly a quarter of a century, stems from an investigation that concluded the player manipulated matches and operated a match-fixing network across the professional circuit.

Stefan Milicevic Banned Until October 2050

The disciplinary action against the 29-year-old player took effect on October 9, 2026, and runs through October 8, 2050. During this period, Milicevic is barred from playing, coaching, or attending any tournament or event sanctioned by the International Tennis Federation, ATP Tour, WTA, or any national association. Investigators found him responsible for six fixed matches between 2022 and 2024, including five in which he competed directly, alongside six additional attempted manipulations.

Investigation Reveals Player Recruitment Network

Beyond fixing his own matches, the investigation established that Milicevic acted as a recruiter within the sport. Reports from various outlets covering the case detailed that the player contacted and persuaded professional colleagues to join an illegal betting operation, leading other athletes to manipulate the outcomes of their own matches. The inquiry began in late 2024 and concluded in September 2026, with authorities noting that the severity of the punishment increased because Milicevic repeatedly ignored requests for cooperation during the proceedings.

Prior Disciplinary Precedents in Professional Tennis

While a 24-year ban represents one of the longest disqualifications issued by the integrity agency, it stops short of the permanent lifetime bans handed down in previous high-profile corruption cases. Governing bodies previously issued lifetime suspensions and larger financial penalties near $250,000 to figures such as Alexis Musialek, Simohamed Hirs, and Bolivian player Alejandro Mendoza after similar investigations into lower-tier professional tournaments and betting syndicates. Milicevic reached a career-high singles ranking of world No. 1,338 in August 2014, spending the vast majority of his career competing on the ITF Futures circuit.