There is fresh confusion surrounding the status of Joao Souza after confirmation that he has been once again suspended from the tour.
Earlier this month the former top 100 player was briefly banned from competition by the Tennis Integrity Unit (TIU). Only for that decision to be revoked a couple days later due to his ‘good history.’ At the time of the announcement, there was no specific details concerning what potential violation of the anti-corruption code he had violated. A stark contrast to what is normally presented in press releases by the TIU concerning the provisional suspensions of players.
Now it has emerged that the TIU have reversed their decision and banned Souza from playing for 120 days. Website O Global has obtained exclusive details about the case and has revealed the offence Souza is alleged to have made for the first time. The 30-year-old is accused of deliberately tanking on the tour. An offence he was fined $500 for back in 2017.
It is understood that the decision to apply the suspension once again revolved around a text message. Joao Menezes, who is a doubles partner of Souza, showed authorities a message he received. In it, Souza stated that he didn’t give 100% during his match against Roberto Quiroz at a Mexican Challenger in February. He lost 6-4, 6-0, to the Ecuadorian player.
Ubitennis has spoken with sources at O Global about the current case. It appears that the TIU’s latest decision has been made without them contacting Souza’s lawyer, who has been involved in the case throughout. It is rare for a player to be banned merely for a lack of effort on the court without other offences. E.g. deliberately tanking for match-fixing purposes. Souza’s legal team is currently waiting an explanation about the reason for a 120-day penalty.
“The accusation is a bit confusing, it does not clarify in detail what the facts are, dates, games. As the process is still in the beginning, this will certainly be clarified in the course of the procedure. So, the only thing I can say is that this decision was revoked according to the document we received,” lawyer Marco Aurélio Asseff told O Global.
Souza is currently ranked 422nd on the ATP Tour and has an ITF ranking of 13th 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.
It is understood that the TIU will soon be sending a press release concerning Souza’s 120-day suspension.
