Samuel Bensoussan’s Ban Extended After Failed Appeal

Samuel Bensoussan, a former French tennis player, has had his suspension extended to three years after his appeal against a match-fixing penalty failed. Initially banned for one year and 11 months for fixing four matches, Bensoussan’s actions were linked to a match-fixing syndicate in Belgium led by Grigor Sargsyan.

The syndicate manipulated at least 375 matches, involving 1,500 conspirators, according to documents from the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). Bensoussan, whose suspension began in May 2025, appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), claiming false accusations from Mick Lescure led to his involvement. Lescure was permanently banned in 2022 for his role in match fixing.

Of the 18 breaches of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Protocol Bensoussan faced, all but one were substantiated. His appeal coincided with the ITIA’s request to increase his suspension to six and a half years, aligning with penalties for others involved in similar activities. CAS rejected his appeal and the ITIA’s request, ultimately extending his suspension to three years.

Bensoussan, who now coaches, once achieved a career-high singles ranking of No. 405 in 2018. His updated suspension begins on the original date and concludes in May 2028.