German discus throwers, Henrik Janssen and Steven Richter, along with French middle-distance runner, Aurore Fleury, have been suspended for breaching the World Athletics Integrity Code and Manipulation of Competition.
An Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) press release named the three athletes and indicated the length of each of their suspensions on Thursday, January 29.
In a move that highlights the AIU’s zero tolerance for betting on the sport by participants, 27-year-old Janssen and 22-year-old Richter were handed three-month suspended bans. Meanwhile, 32-year-old Fleury received a six-month ban dating back from Sept. 1, 2025. He was also fined 3000 Euros to be donated to charity.
All three athletes were charged with violating Integrity Standard 3.3.4 relating to ‘Maintaining Integrity of Competition.’ All three admitted to the violations. The rules concerning betting prohibit all ‘applicable persons’ from betting on any athletics event.
They were caught betting on teammates. The most serious breach of the sport’s rules prohibiting bets, French middle-distance runner Aurore Fleury won 5,000 euros ($5,970) from a 2,000 euros ($2,400) wager at the 2024 European championships in Rome.
“World Athletics Rules regarding betting are in place to ensure that the results in our sport are determined solely on merit. The AIU maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards breaches of the betting rules as they strike at the heart of the integrity of sport,” declared Clothier.
“These sanctions must serve as a clear reminder to all that there is no place in athletics for this prohibited activity. Athletes and other participants are on notice that stricter sanctions may apply in the future. The integrity of our sport is non-negotiable.”
Additionally, Clothier stressed the importance of betting rules and related education reaching athletes.
“It is incumbent on Member Federations to prioritize athlete awareness of issues like betting and competition manipulation so they are fully apprised of the strict rules and avoid pitfalls which may jeopardize their careers. Education cannot be overstated. It is critical,” insisted the AIU Head.
The athletes bet on events that they were competing in throughout Europe.
