The Hungarian Tennis Federation has launched an urgent investigation into claims that national players and coaches were provided with fake COVID-19 documentation in order to travel abroad.
It is understood that multiple players and coaches could be involved in the scandal, including some of those who participated in last year’s Davis Cup finals. Less than a week ago website 24.hu published a letter purportedly sent by Katalin Marosi, a national team coordinator and former tennis player who reached a ranking high of 33 in the doubles back in 2013.
In the summer of 2021 Marosi allegedly sent an email to players and their parents requesting their details. Including their name, number, date of birth, address, and mother’s name. It is claimed that these details were used to construct the fake certificates on what was described as an ‘industrial scale.’
“We need a PCR test for the kids, now we can solve this by sending me the following data and our doctor will issue the find 🙂 the kids will get away with the test.” 24.hu quoted the purported email as saying.
Gábor Köves was the captain of the Hungarian Davis Cup team last year when they played in the finals. Speaking on the matter, he raised suspicions about the documentation when he himself could have been given one. Even though he didn’t require one due to being fully vaccinated.
“Before the Davis Cup in Turin, as a man with full protection, three vaccinations, I was handed a piece of paper that I didn’t need, I could have traveled without it. Only someone who had not been vaccinated at all needed a home-made PCR test to enter. I found it all weird because the directors did PCR tests on the spot,” Koves told 24.hu.
Following the revelation, the Magyar Tenisz Szövetség (MTSZ), known better as the Hungarian Tennis Federation, held an emergency meeting on Friday. Afterwards a statement was issued confirming that Marosi has been fired from her role with immediate effect.
Even more significant is that disciplinary procedures are now being taken against at least six federal coaches employed by the association, the secretary general of the association, the sports director of the association, and the physician responsible for conducting the relevant PCR tests. It is possible more individuals could be involved if there are further investigations.
As for players, the MTSZ say they would welcome the relevant bodies to ‘conduct further detailed fact-finding investigations into all Hungarian tennis players with world ranking points.’
A criminal investigation is now likely to be launched.
