The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has imposed sanctions against German discus players Henrik Janssen and Steven Richter, as well as French middle-distance runner Aurore Fleury, for violating World Athletics betting rules. The disciplinary measures reflect the governing body’s ongoing commitment to promoting the integrity of the sport. Janssen and Richter were each given three-month bans, while Fleury received a six-month ban effective from 1 September 2025, along with a €3,000 fine to be donated to charity. All three athletes pleaded guilty to violating Integrity Standard 3.3.4, which prohibits participants from betting on athletic events in any form.
The offenses of Janssen and Richter were related to the World Championships in Athletics. During the pre-event camp in Miyazaki, Japan, Janssen was overheard discussing the bets he had made. After being informed that such activity was not permitted, he “told investigators that he unsuccessfully attempted to cancel the bets and did not place any additional bets.” He further admitted: “He admitted placing three bets totaling €100 on September 16, all involving teammates.” Richter was also heard discussing the bets and during his interview with AIU he “revealed that he bet €40 and said he stopped betting after he found out it was against the rules and he didn’t cancel his original bet”. Both athletes cooperated with the investigation and showed remorse, which were mitigating factors in their suspended sanctions.
Aurora Fleury’s case was considered more serious due to the higher stake and the outcome of her bet. A French runner bet €2,000 on a teammate competing at the European Athletics Championships and won €5,000. She admitted responsibility for the breach but “admitted the breach but claimed she was unaware that the act breached the rules of world athletics.” In addition to the six-month ban, Fleury was ordered to pay a fine of 3,000 euros, which will go to charity.
As part of the disciplinary proceedings, all three athletes were ordered to complete online training by the International Olympic Committee on the prevention of competition manipulation. The move follows their acknowledgment of a gap in education, with all three “after admitting they had not previously been educated about the rules of betting”. The goal of this requirement is to increase awareness of the regulations among athletes and help prevent future violations.
The AIU emphasized the importance of firm betting rules to protect the credibility of athletics. AIU boss Brett Clothier stressed: “AIU boss Brett Clothier said betting rules are essential to protect the sport.” He went on to state, “The AIU maintains a zero tolerance policy for betting violations that go to the heart of the integrity of the sport,” he said, adding that athletes and the federation must prioritize education to prevent future violations.’
These sanctions highlight AIU’s ongoing efforts to combat activities that undermine fair play and confidence in athletics. The events also reinforce the wider message that both individual athletes and federations need to remain vigilant and well informed about the rules governing their sport, particularly ahead of major international competitions.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
January 29, 2026
