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Younes Rachidi Banned from Tennis for Match-Fixing

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Younes Rachidi

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.

Dipo Olowookere is a journalist based in Nigeria that has passion for reporting business news stories. At his leisure time, he watches football and supports 3SC of Ibadan. Mr Olowookere can be reached via [email protected]

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Golf Training, Tournament Hold March 8 in Warri North

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Canaanland Golf and Country Club

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.

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Access Bank Lagos City Marathon Top 10 Finishers Share N10m from Aquafina

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Aquafina Top 10 finishers

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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Mourinho’s Return to Madrid, a Battle Between Ligue 1 Giants and more: Bet on the Key Champions League Matches!

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1xplayers

On February 24 and 25, the knockout phase return legs of Europe’s most prestigious club tournament will take place. The best sports betting site 1xBet offers a wide selection of markets and the highest odds for these games. Place your bets responsibly via this link and win big!

Inter Milan vs Bodø/Glimt, February 24

The runners-up of last season’s Champions League are in danger of being knocked out of the competition in the knockout phase play-offs. In Bodø, Cristian Chivu’s team lost 1-3 on artificial turf, which Inter aren’t used to playing on. According to the Nerazzurri coach, the poor condition of the pitch was to blame.

Inter are in a difficult situation. However, the team has scored 11 goals in their last 3 home games and is quite capable of making a comeback. The bad news is that Lautaro Martínez will miss the match due to an injury sustained in Norway.

Bodø/Glimt are certainly not in a state of euphoria. After the match, head coach Kjetil Knutsen said that his team had delivered an average performance. If the Norwegians manage to maintain their lead in the return leg, this story will one day be made into a TV series.

W1 – 1.302, X – 6.96, W2 – 9.65

Paris Saint-Germain vs AS Monaco, February 25

0-2, a missed penalty and an injury to the team’s leader by the middle of the first half – it’s difficult to get back into the game after such a start, but not for Paris Saint-Germain, an official partner of 1xBet. In the first match against Monaco, the Parisians equalized before the half-time break and snatched victory in the second half.

Monaco showed that they can surprise any opponent, but in the 2nd leg, the home side will take to the pitch with maximum concentration from the very first minutes. The statistics don’t favor the Monégasques: they’ve only managed to win at PSG’s home ground once in the last 9 years.

Luis Enrique’s team is the clear favorite in the 2nd leg and will try to take another step towards defending its title.

W1 – 1.29, X – 6.55, W2 – 11.4

Real Madrid vs Benfica, February 25

José Mourinho returns to Madrid, but we won’t see him in the technical area. The Portuguese manager got a red card in the emotional match in Lisbon, but even that didn’t make him the star of the show. The glory went to Vinícius Júnior. The Brazilian scored a spectacular goal in the second half, danced provocatively around the corner flag with the Benfica crest, got insulted, and in the end, these events were discussed more than the game itself.

Despite the victory, Real Madrid didn’t look significantly stronger than their opponents. Every now and then, the Eagles took control of the ball and forced Thibaut Courtois to make some incredible saves.

Before the 1st leg, José Mourinho said he wanted the score in the first match to allow his team to fight for a spot in the next stage in Madrid. He got what he wanted, but there’s a feeling that most of his football magic went into Anatoliy Trubin’s goal in the league phase.

W1 – 1.494, X – 5.08, W2 – 6.7

Juventus vs Galatasaray, February 25

Luciano Spalletti had said that his team was going to Istanbul to win, but the final score of 2-5 leaves them with almost no chance of advancing to the round of 16. Barış Yılmaz utterly destroyed the opposition’s left wing, which is where most of the threats to Juventus’s goal came from.

Galatasaray won’t have a fiery support of the stands in Turin. However, the team is in excellent form: in their first 5 matches in February, the Lions have scored 20 goals.

Many believe that Juventus advancing to the next stage would be a miracle. However, in this Champions League campaign, Galatasaray have already lost 1-5 to Eintracht Frankfurt, who are far from being the strongest team, and the Bianconeri must have faith in their abilities.

W1 – 1.564, X – 4.925, W2 – 5.78

We hope that our preview will help you make successful predictions. Follow the principles of responsible gambling, place your bets on the best sports betting site 1xBet via this link and share the victory with your favorites!

SMM 

🏆⚽ Bet on the Champions League knockout phase 2nd legs!

📅 The fate of the tickets to the round of 16 will be decided on February 24 and 25. We’ve compiled a list of the most interesting matches for you:

❓ Inter vs Bodø/Glimt: can last season’s runners-up come back from a 1-3 defeat in the 1st leg?

W1 – 1.302, X – 6.96, W2 – 9.65

🚀 Paris Saint-Germain vs Monaco: in the 1st leg, the Parisians came back from 0-2 down and are looking to take another step towards defending their title.

W1 – 1.29, X – 6.55, W2 – 11.4

🧤 Real Madrid vs Benfica: the Meringues won by a narrow margin in Lisbon, but their opponents cannot be underestimated – even the goalkeeper can score for José Mourinho’s team.

W1 – 1.494, X – 5.08, W2 – 6.7

🔮 Juventus vs Galatasaray: can Luciano Spalletti’s team pull off a miracle after a 2-5 defeat in Istanbul?

W1 – 1.564, X – 4.925, W2 – 5.78

💰 Bet and win with 1xBet!

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