Australian doubles champion, Max Purcell has been provisionally suspended after admitting to a violation of anti-doping regulations, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced on Monday.

The 26-year-old, ranked 12th in the world for doubles, confessed to using a “prohibited method” and voluntarily entered a provisional suspension beginning December 10.

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The ITIA confirmed the suspension took full effect on December 12, stating, “Time served under provisional suspension will be credited against any future sanction.”

As a result of the suspension, the 26-year-old is banned from competing in, coaching at, or attending any tennis events sanctioned by the sport’s governing bodies.

This suspension rules him out of January’s Australian Open, where he was expected to be a strong contender.

Purcell’s career highlights include winning the 2022 Wimbledon doubles title with fellow Australian Matt Ebden and this year’s US Open doubles crown alongside Jordan Thompson.

In a statement, Tennis Australia clarified that the violation concerned a prohibited method rather than a banned substance.

“The International Tennis Integrity Agency confirmed the breach relates to the use of a prohibited method, rather than the presence of a prohibited substance.

“As the matter is currently under investigation, it is inappropriate to comment further at this time,” it said.

The ITIA did not provide further details regarding the breach but noted that investigations are ongoing.

This case comes amid increased scrutiny over doping in tennis. Recent incidents include Polish world number two Iga Swiatek and Italian top-ranked player Jannik Sinner.

Swiatek received a one-month sanction earlier this year after testing positive for a banned heart medication, though the violation was deemed unintentional.

Meanwhile, Sinner was cleared after twice testing positive for traces of the steroid clostebol, though the World Anti-Doping Agency has appealed the decision.

Both Swiatek and Sinner are set to compete in the Australian Open, beginning January 12.

In a bid to ensure increased visibility for the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) this coming season, the Board has reaffirmed its commitment by engaging with StarTimes, a key broadcasting partner.

This filtered out of the NWFL Annual General Assembly held in Abuja on Tuesday, which saw Chairman of the NWFL Board, Nkechi Obi, lead a high-powered delegation to meet with StarTimes management on Wednesday.

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She said, “This partnership is a vital step in our mission to bring the excitement of the league to a wider audience and showcase the talent in women’s football.”

It was gathered that during the discussions, StarTimes’ Chief Operating Officer, Engr. Tunde Aina reiterated that, “StarTimes is committed to delivering top-quality coverage and ensuring that our viewers enjoy every moment of the women’s leagues.”

These initiatives aim to significantly boost audience engagement and elevate the NWFL’s profile both locally and internationally. The discussions covered the production and coverage of matches, highlight shows, and strategic marketing of league content across StarTimes’ diverse channels.

As a key outcome of the meeting, a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is being finalized, with both parties expressing optimism about concluding arrangements in time for the Season Opener.

The anticipated partnership is expected to kick off with the high-stakes NWFL Premiership clash between defending champions Edo Queens and Abia Angels at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City on January 15, 2025.

The meeting was attended by high-ranking NWFL officials, including Vice Chairperson Hajiya Hussina Suleiman and Board member, Madam Henrietta Ihiabor.

David Coote, a Premier League referee, has been dismissed by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) following a comprehensive investigation into multiple allegations of misconduct.

The decision, announced in a statement on Monday, comes after weeks of scrutiny over Coote’s actions, which the PGMOL described as “serious breaches” of his employment contract.

“David Coote’s actions were found to be in serious breach of the provisions of his employment contract,” the statement read.

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“Supporting David Coote continues to be important to us, and we remain committed to his welfare.”

Coote, 42, retains the right to appeal the decision, leaving the possibility of further legal or procedural developments.

The controversy surrounding Coote began in early November when a video surfaced online, reportedly showing him making derogatory remarks about Liverpool FC and their former manager, Jürgen Klopp.

The comments allegedly referenced Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Burnley in July 2020—a match officiated by Coote that drew sharp criticism from Klopp over refereeing decisions.

The situation escalated on November 13 when The Sun published images allegedly showing Coote using a white powder during the summer’s European Championship.

In response, the PGMOL launched an investigation, describing the allegations as “very serious.”

The fallout extended beyond England, with UEFA suspending Coote and initiating its own probe.

Meanwhile, the FA opened a separate investigation into an alleged incident from 2019, where Coote was accused of discussing a yellow card decision ahead of a Championship match between Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion. Coote denied the claim, calling it “false and defamatory.”

While Coote’s dismissal concludes the PGMOL’s investigation, questions remain over the impact of these allegations on the integrity of football officiating.

The case has also raised concerns about the pressures faced by referees in high-stakes matches.

The PGMOL reiterated its commitment to Coote’s welfare, emphasizing the sensitive nature of the dismissal.

However, with Coote denying wrongdoing and holding the right to appeal, the matter may not be fully resolved.