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Lopez: Absolutely Deny Match-Fixing Allegation


Feliciano Lopez and former doubles partner Marc Lopez deny any links to match-fixing allegations.

Feliciano Lopez, who partners Andy Murray at Queen's Club this week, issued a statement strongly denying reports in some Spanish media that the Spanish doubles tandem were part of a wider investigation into corruption that focused on a 2017 Wimbledon doubles match the pair lost.

More: Djokovic Answers Kyrgios Criticism

In response, Feliciano Lopez issued this statement:

"Following reports in media that mentioned my name and my partner, Marc Lopez, I feel it is still important to come to you and absolutely deny any link with events described in relation to the allegations of match fixing.

"Unfortunately, all tennis players are public figures and exposed to having our good name used beyond our control. For that reason, I will do everything within my power to defend myself against any such false accusations.

"Marc and I had immediately contacted the TIU (Tennis Integrity Unit) to fully co-operate, and they confirmed that there had been no investigation about that match at Wimbledon 2017. We have full faith in the TIU and the role they play protecting our sport."


Spanish publication El Confidencial reported Feliciano Lopez and Marc Lopez's 2017 Wimbledon loss to unseeded Australians John-Patrick Smith and Matt Reid had aroused authorities' suspicions. 

The corruption allegations stem from an investigation into a pair of retired Spanish soccer players, Raúl Bravo and Carlos Aranda,who have also been cited in allegations of fixing soccer matches, El Confidencial reports.

“Investigators conducting Operation Oikos reveal that information was passed on about a doubles match involving Feliciano López and Marc López at Wimbledon in July 2017, which presumably would be for the purpose of making illegal bets," The Guardian reports citing El Confidencial's article. “The police got the information from listening to Aranda’s phone. He said: ‘I have information about a match, do you want it?’ The other speaker said: ‘Yes man, of course – if you have it.' 

‘What Feliciano López and his partner will lose is the doubles,’ was the tip. [They] then lost to Matt Reid and John Patrick Smith, winning the first set before losing the following three.”

Feliciano López and Marc Lopez paired to win the 2016 Roland Garros doubles crown.


Feliciano López withdrew from the 2017 Wimbledon singles draw with a leg injury.

Photo credit: Mercedes Cup Facebook

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