Sports
Younes Rachidi Banned from Tennis for Match-Fixing
The conviction of Moroccan Younes Rachidi for 135 charges of match-fixing has struck a chord with all sports fans. His lifetime ban from professional sports came as a surprise, even to the top sports betting sites in the Middle East. Although Rachidi was far from a household name, having never reached the top 1,000 rankings, he was a regular on the ITF Futures Tour, the amateur tennis circuit, where he managed to reach his highest doubles ranking of 475 on the ATP list.
The Investigation
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) conducted a thorough investigation and issued the ban in August 2021. In addition to the permanent restriction, The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) also imposed a $34,000 fine for the 135 violations of TACP. Following the joint investigations by Belgian law enforcement and the ITIA, it was also discovered that Rachidi had been involved in match-fixing together with two Algerian players who also received a ban.
After a thorough investigation, it was revealed that Rachidi had been actively involved in fixing match results in Spain, Portugal, Egypt, and Nigeria. Those activities included losing sets, games, and occasionally entire matches, in order to manipulate the results.
The Verdict
In her ruling, Independent Anti-Corruption Hearing Office Janie Soublière concluded that all allegations of the report were factually true. Consequently, Younes Rachidi was permanently barred from attending, coaching, or taking part in any tennis event recognized or authorized by the tennis governing bodies. The Anti-Corruption Hearing Office also imposed sanctions on the two Algerian players who were found to be accomplices in the match-fixing scheme while also implying that these offenses are despicable for any tennis player.
Match-Fixing: A Serious Offense in Sports
Interfering in a game is a major breach of professional sports etiquette, particularly in tennis. The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has a zero-tolerance policy for match-fixing and any report of inappropriate behavior is taken very seriously. The integrity of the sport is upheld by the ITF, which investigates all criminal complaints, no matter how small or large the infraction may be.
Every sporting competition is built on fair play, which provides all participants with an equal chance to win. Players begin the game with a competitive spirit and a desire to win. They strive to keep the game’s quality high while providing spectators with an exciting and unpredictable match.
That is why any form of cheating in professional sports must be strongly condemned by organizations like the ITF. According to a statement made by the ITF’s integrity unit, any other individuals who may have been involved in the match-fixing activities will be the subject of further investigation.
The tennis ethics regulatory bodies implied that the 135 offenses committed by the Moroccan player in 2017 and 2018 involved violations of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Programs (TACP).
Rule D.1 states that anyone playing professional tennis is prohibited to “directly or indirectly, contrive or attempt to manipulate the result or any other element during competition”. And yet, the former tennis player never ceased to break this rule of TACP, applicable to all professional tennis players.
The ITIA was created by the international governing organizations of the sport to manage issues that might affect the integrity of sports. It has proven its commitment to preserving tennis’ honesty by taking decisive actions against those who manipulate match results.
Although the situation with Younes Rachidi is unfortunate, it serves as a warning to other competitors showing that cheating has serious consequences and that the ITF will not hesitate to take legal action and punish offenders if proven guilty.
Final Thoughts
The Younes Rachidi scandal has emphasized the importance of upholding the principles of sportsmanship and fair play in professional sports. The ITF’s decision to fine Rachidi $34,000 and forever ban him from stepping on a professional tennis court serves as a warning that match-fixing is a serious breach of sports ethics and will not be tolerated under any circumstance.
Unfortunately, sports controversies are a fact of life, but they should not be taken lightly. Such behavior not only erodes the competitive nature of the game but also damages the reputation of the sport and the trust of the fans in the athletes. This case is a stark reminder that any sports game must preserve its fairness in order to earn the respect of fans and fellow players.
Sports
When Weather Hijacks Betting Odds
Weather conditions such as rain, wind, snow, or extreme heat could have an impact on the nature of both teams’ style of play, the way that goals might happen, and the way they are priced by bookmakers like 1xbet. Therefore, in recent years, the weather has been seen as one of the quickest, non-visible influences on wagering and gambling.
In the final hours leading up to a game, many individuals who wager money will either check the weather or look to confirm it has been altered before they access the relevant sites to wager on the game. The result is often that there has been a change in price immediately after the event has been confirmed. There is no requirement for a weather press conference to take place, as weather conditions will dictate when to make price adjustments.
Mobile alerts make weather-driven moves faster
Modern weather surprises spread instantly in modern betting with radar images on social media; waves of bets have begun flooding in before even national broadcasters are reporting current weather conditions. The overwhelming influence of weather bets is multiplied by players being able to place their wagers using mobile devices, as they are able to follow thick and thin markets by paying close attention to their mobile betting devices via 1xbet apk, to be ready and able to react immediately when weather-related news breaks. When rain starts to come down heavily or winds start to pick up, bettors adjust their expectations and place bets on things like totals, corners, and/or cards, respectively.
The fact that bets can be processed and accepted instantly when betting with mobile devices provides tremendous value and importance to how pre-match odds can be pushed up and down quickly, even though the movements in pre-match odds may have been created with only a small portion of the total stake being made by the total number of bettors.
Why wind and rain hit the goal markets first
Players from getting enough distance on long balls, which can cause problems with crossing the ball. Heavy rainfall can affect pass accuracy and create unexpected deflections due to players slipping or losing their footing. High temperatures can affect the pace of play and increase fatigue.
Bookmakers commonly will alter goal-related markets first when weather has a significant impact on shot quality and chance conversion. If the pitch is heavy, teams may be able to create attacking chances but not be able to finish them. Strong winds can disrupt how set pieces are taken, which makes them unpredictable.
Typical types of weather effects that drive odds adjustments include:
- strong wind reducing the accuracy of crosses and long shots;
- heavy rain reducing pace of play and increases slips, getting muddy pass accuracy and less cleanly taken.
- waterlogged playing surface, creating difficult passing;
- very high temperatures causing slower second halfs;
- and cold weather reduces stamina and touch.
These elements affect total point spread lines and sometimes also point spread lines in instances where either team is using more of a certain style of play.
How odds shifts look when the forecast changes
Weather-based movement often follows a recognizable sequence: forecast update, market pause, then adjustment. It can happen in minutes.
| Weather shift before kickoff | What bettors expect | Where odds usually move |
| Wind picks up sharply | Fewer clean chances | Under goals shortens |
| Heavy rain starts | Slower play, more mistakes | Totals and corners adjust |
| Heat wave confirmed | Lower tempo late | Second-half totals drift |
| Sudden storm warning | Match may stop or delay | Markets suspend briefly |
| Pitch declared heavy | Physical game, fewer patterns | Cards and unders tighten |
The public reacts late, the market reacts early
Oddsmakers adjust the line in their favor before the average bettor has even thought to make a wager on a particular matchup. Many recreational players are betting based on team name and recency—weather is an afterthought, if that at all.
Trained bettors will typically make their move much earlier in the process by being tuned into the weather forecast and any stadium information. Once they get their money in early, the oddsmakers adjust the odds and the recreational players will wager at a different price.
That’s why the weather has such a huge ability to create a “pre-match surprise”; it can quickly change assumptions and betting markets are based on assumptions.
Smart ways to handle weather-driven chaos
The weather offers chance and also risk. Quick checklists come in handy when making smart choices:
- Check the current market movement before betting on a new weather event.
- Don’t accept forecast headlines generally; look back for context.
- Assess style of play: crossing the touchline, tempo, and physical size.
- Don’t rely solely on morning weather updates; check late changes to match timing as well.
- Be cautious when betting on the live market after the weather created chaos.
The forecast does not match, but the forecast could create a change to the match, which can createa change to the odds.
Weather is not background noise anymore
Today’s weather plays a major factor in today’s gaming and gambling markets. Weather conditions can completely alter game pace and a gambler’s approach to betting. Many times, sportsbooks have to adjust pricing for an entire section of the board at the last minute due to these changing weather patterns.
The important piece is understanding the reasons behind odds movement in order to take advantage of them rather than just noticing they have moved. As weather conditions change at the end of a sporting event, the betting market is reacting to uncertainty, and when uncertainty increases, the odds do not typically remain as displayed on the betting screens.
Sports
Golf Training, Tournament Hold March 8 in Warri North
By Henry Ovie
A one-day golf training and tournament specifically for girls has been fixed for Sunday, March 8, 2026, in Koko, in the Warri North of Delta State.
A statement from the organisers of the event, Canaan Land Golf Training and Tournament, disclosed that about 50 girls would be accommodated.
Tagged The Biggest Giving Day of the Year, the programme, according to the chief executive of Akogate Group, Mr Felix Aganbi, will entrench the attitude of excellence and develop young, highly quality golfers in terms of their golf quality and personal character.
He urged parents in Nigeria and abroad to allow their daughters to attend the event, saying it will build their confidence.
“The golf training and tournament will introduce girls to golf in a social and engaging environment. It will also help them build confidence, learn vital skills, and connect with others in a friendly community,” he was quoted as saying in the statement on Thursday.
The programme, which will take place at the Canaanland Golf and Country Club, celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political accomplishments of women as well as raises awareness for accelerated gender parity
“Open to girls in years 8-16, the training and tournament provide high-quality coaching to assist the girl child in pursuing excellence in the sport of golf,” Mr Aganbi noted, listing technical skill development, comprehensive fitness and mental conditioning as key features of the training.
“The girls will learn the basics of golf grip, stance, posture alignment, golf rules and etiquette. They will also be taken for an 18-hole playing lesson.
“The training and tournament will broaden opportunities for girls in Nigeria to realise their potential through education.
“Canaanland Country Club shall continue to encourage the education of females, improve the economic position of women and enhance their participation in matters relating to both the family and the society.
“It is also to join hands with the government in making our state a better place to live, campaign for the dismantling of systemic barriers and push for the power of reciprocity and abundant giving,” he disclosed.
Driven by Sir Alfred and Mrs Warami Temile, Mr Aganbi said the “club would continue to provide necessary assistance for the general development of people, especially those who live in the rural areas.”
In a related development, Mr Aganbi said the Oluremi Tinubu Golf Classic would take place on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Canaanland Golf and Country Club, Koko.
“The tournament will attract international talent, create opportunities for emerging players and motivate the next generation to see what is possible in the women’s game,” he stated, adding that over 75 women are expected to participate.
The event is another important step in strengthening the women’s game in Nigeria, delivering significant benefits to the Niger Delta, drawing women, officials and fans to Warri North and boosting tourism and hospitality industries in Delta State.
Sports
Access Bank Lagos City Marathon Top 10 Finishers Share N10m from Aquafina
Aquafina took centre stage at the 11th edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon on 14 February 2026, rewarding the first ten groups to complete the 10-kilometre race with N1 million each. The initiative highlights the brand’s continued investment in fitness, wellness, and the spirit of collective achievement within Nigeria’s growing running community.
Under its campaign theme, “Run am with your Padi of Life,” Aquafina encouraged runners to participate alongside friends, teammates, and running crews, celebrating the role of support systems in pushing limits and sustaining performance.
Throughout the race, Aquafina ensured strong on-course visibility while providing hydration support to help participants maintain energy levels. Its on-ground activations added excitement for both runners and spectators, contributing to the vibrant atmosphere of the event.
By rewarding groups rather than individual runners, Aquafina spotlighted the value of shared goals and mutual accountability. The N1 million prize elevated the competitive energy of the 10km race while reinforcing the importance of collaboration within Nigeria’s evolving fitness culture.
Widely regarded as one of West Africa’s most prestigious road races, the marathon once again attracted elite athletes, recreational runners, corporate teams, and fitness enthusiasts from across the country and beyond. Within this high-energy environment, Aquafina positioned itself as a trusted hydration partner supporting endurance and peak performance.
Speaking after the race, Funso Elubeku, Assistant General Manager at Seven-Up Bottling Company (SBC), said:
“The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon represents resilience, discipline, and the power of community. Through Aquafina, we ensured participants remained hydrated while celebrating the teamwork and support that helped runners push beyond their limits. Rewarding the first ten finishers underscores our commitment to recognising dedication, performance, and personal achievement.”
Aquafina’s presence at the marathon underscores its broader mission to promote active lifestyles and support platforms that inspire healthier living, strengthening its connection with Nigeria’s fitness community through meaningful engagement.
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