Ilie Nastase handed lengthy ban from ITF events over Fed Cup remarks

Johanna Konta collapses during the US Open on August 31, 2016
© SilverHub
Ilie Nastase will not attend any International Tennis Federation events in an official capacity until 2021 after being found guilty of a series of breaches.

Romanian captain Ilie Nastase has been banned from acting in any official roles by the International Tennis Federation until the end of 2020.

The 71-year-old former world number one caused controversy in April when making a remark about Serena Williams's unborn child that was deemed racist, while also insulting British player Johanna Konta and captain Anne Keothavong during a Fed Cup tie.

Nastase was later banned from attending the French Open and Wimbledon in an official capacity, which he branded "small minded", and his ban has now been extended by the ITF.

The organisation has found him guilty of a series of breaches of regulations, deeming the necessary punishment a suspension from any ITF event until 2021, on top of a £7,700 fine.

An ITF statement read: "Mr Nastase was found guilty of breaching Articles a.ii.a, a.iii.a, a.iii.b, a.iv.c and a.v.b of the Fed Cup Welfare Policy under the 2017 ITF Fed Cup Regulations during the Fed Cup by BNP Paribas tie between Romania and Great Britain in Constanta in April. Specifically:

"- Mr Nastase made a comment about Serena Williams's unborn child that was highly inappropriate and racially insensitive in breach of the Introduction to the Welfare Policy, and Article a.v.b;

"- Mr Nastase made advances of a sexual nature towards Anne Keothavong, the Captain of the Great Britain team, in breach of Article a.iv.c;

"- Mr Nastase made abusive and threatening comments to a member of the accredited press, in breach of Article a.iii.b;

"- Mr Nastase made abusive and threatening comments to the match officials and to members of the Great Britain team, refused to leave the court, and deliberately interfered with the opposing team in breach of Articles a.ii.a, a.iii.a, a.iii.b and a.v.b."

Nastase's ban does not officially apply to ATP Tour, WTA Tour and Grand Slam events.

Serena Williams looks deflated after losing the French Open final to Garbine Muguruza on June 4, 2016
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