Nijman suspended for five years due to match-fixing, half of sentence possibly suspended

The Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) has imposed a substantial suspension of five years on darts player Wessel Nijman after committing match-fixing during an online darts competition.

Half of this penalty is suspended if Nijman continues to work for the Professional Darts Players Association to warn other players of gambling dangers. The Dutchman has showed his willingness to co-operate with the PDPA in this.

Nijman has issued the following statement in response to the DRA Disciplinary Committee decision:

“I would like to start by reiterating my sincere regret and apology for the mistakes I have made. I fully accept the outcome of my hearing.

While it is clear that I was put under external pressure, ultimately I agreed to do this and take full responsibility for my actions.

I know that I should have immediately reported this contact to the DRA anti-corruption department or sought guidance from the PDPA, my management or the police.

I hope any other player who finds themselves in a similar position will learn from my mistakes and follow the correct procedure to help protect their own integrity and the integrity of darts as a sport.

Unfortunately, I did not do that and made a stupid mistake that I am rightly being punished for.

I will miss playing competitive darts but will work hard to help the DRA and PDPA with education and anti-corruption initiatives after learning a lot from this experience.

I want to take this opportunity to again place on record my deepest apologies to everyone affected by my actions. This includes my family, who have supported me throughout my life and career, my management and sponsors, the PDC, PDPA and everybody involved in darts, including fans.

I now want to focus on finding a way to make amends and will do everything I can to ensure that my experience is used to deter others from making similar mistakes in the future.

I have said everything I want to say on the matter and will not be making any further comments.”

Besides Nijman, Kyle McKinstry had also consciously lost matches during the online competition of organizer MODUS. His sentence is not yet known, but the Northern Irishman has been temporarily suspended as long as the investigation continues.