Nigerian Athletes Beware as AIU Sanctions French and German Athletes Over Betting Breaches
The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has sanctioned three European athletes for breaching World Athletics betting rules.
German discus throwers Henrik Janssen and Steven Richter, along with French middle-distance runner Aurore Fleury, were found guilty of violating Integrity Standard 3.3.4, which prohibits athletes and other ‘applicable persons’ from betting on athletics events. All three admitted to the violations.
Janssen, 27, and Richter, 22, received three-month suspended bans after admitting to placing bets during the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo last September.
Both athletes were overheard discussing wagers at a pre-Championships training camp in Myazaki, Japan.
Janssen disclosed that he had placed three bets totaling 100 Euros, while Richter admitted to betting 40 Euros. Each claimed they were unaware of the prohibition until informed by teammates and attempted unsuccessfully to cancel their bets.
Fleury’s case was deemed more serious. The 32-year-old runner admitted to betting 2,000 Euros on a teammate during the 2024 European Athletics Championships in Rome, winning 5,000 Euros. She was handed a six-month ban, effective from September 1, 2025, and fined 3,000 Euros, which will be donated to charity.
As part of their sanctions, all three athletes must complete the International Olympic Committee’s Prevention of Competition Manipulation online training.
The AIU noted that none of the athletes had previously received education on the Integrity Code or Manipulation of Competition rules, a factor considered in determining their penalties. Their early admissions, remorse, and clean disciplinary records also weighed in mitigation.
AIU Head Brett Clothier stressed that betting rules are fundamental to safeguarding athletics from corruption.
‘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,’ Clothier said.
He added that stricter sanctions may be applied in future cases, warning athletes and officials alike that ‘the integrity of our sport is non-negotiable.’
Clothier also urged member federations to prioritize education on betting and competition manipulation.
‘It is incumbent on Member Federations to ensure athletes are fully apprised of the strict rules and avoid pitfalls which may jeopardise their careers. Education cannot be overstated. It is critical,’ he insisted.
