Confusion has erupted around a case involving former top 100 player Joao Souza and his apparently short-lived ban from the sport.
Over the weekend the Tennis Integrity Unit, who is responsible for overseeing anti-corruption in the sport, released a statement confirming a provisional suspension of the Brazilian. In a press release published through their website, the body said their decision followed an investigation into possible breaches of the anti-corruption program. However, the statement didn’t specify what those violations were. Something the TIU normally does.
Less than two days after the publication, two Brazilian sources have confirmed that Souza’s ban has been lifted. Journalist Alexandre Cossenza from UOL Deporte has reported that the ITF have now revoked the penalty and Souza is cleared to return to compete once again.
“The usual silence of the TIU is understandable. A little because it does not make sense to comment on what is being investigated, rather because it is irresponsible to divulge the name of suspects and to question the nature of who may, in the end, be innocent. If, at the end of any proceeding that is in progress, TIU does not prove anything against Feijão (Souza), it will have caused irreparable damage to the athlete’s reputation.” Cossenza commented about the situation.
Meanwhile, news site Tenis Brasil has reported that Souza has been told to not comment on the case by his lawyer. He is set to hold further talks with his legal team before potentially releasing a statement.
To add further to the confusion, the TIU have now deleted their statement concerning the provisional suspension of Souza. There is no mention of the 30-year-old on their website. Raising more questions than answers.
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.
The TIU is yet to comment on the situation.
