Peruvian Davis Cup captain Luis Horna fined for breaching tennis betting sponsorship rules

Former tennis professional and current Peru Davis Cup captain Luis Horna has been fined $10,000 by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) for violating regulations on promoting a betting operator, the agency announced on Monday.

Horna acknowledged the penalty, which also includes a suspended six-month ban, according to the ITIA. The agency stated that Horna's involvement in promoting tennis betting with a betting operator in 2023 contravened tennis regulations regarding sponsorships with betting companies.

The ITIA highlighted Horna's cooperation with the investigation, his expression of regret, and his swift termination of the sponsorship deal. It noted that the violation was deemed unintentional.

Horna (43), who achieved a career-high singles ranking of No. 33 in 2004 before retiring from professional play in 2009, has also held the position of tournament director in Peru.

However, the suspension will not take immediate effect. The ITIA clarified that unless a further breach occurs within the six-month period, which commenced on April 5, 2024, the suspension will remain dormant.

The ITIA disclosed that Horna's contract with the betting operator involved providing professional services and promoting tennis betting. Following contact from the agency, Horna expressed remorse, terminated the agreement, and removed all promotional material related to the betting brand.

"In his capacity as tournament director and team captain, Horna is considered a 'covered person'," the ITIA explained, referring to individuals under the purview of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program. The program dictates that no such individuals should directly or indirectly facilitate, encourage, or promote tennis betting.

Horna confirmed in a statement that the contract with the betting company had been terminated early and that he promptly mitigated its effects. The ITIA reiterated that there was no evidence of corrupt behavior associated with the rule violation.

Established by tennis stakeholders, the ITIA operates independently to uphold the integrity of professional tennis worldwide.