Tennis player Camila Giorgi allegedly used fake COVID documents to enter Australia for last year’s Australian Open.
If the allegations are found to be true, Giorgi could possibly be kicked out of the country before this year’s competition.
The claims about Giorgi’s fake COVID documents were raised in Italian media. Doctor Daniela Grillone is currenlty being investigated for issuing fake vaccination certificates to patients with their knowledge. Dr Grillone reportedly recently identified Giorgi as a patient, and said that she wasn’t vaccinated.
While there are currently no COVID vaccination requirements to enter Australia, at the time of last year’s Open players were required to show that they were fully vaccinated.
The Women’s Tennis Association [WTA] has not yet taken action against Giorgi. However, if the player – who is currently in Australia ahead of this year’s Open – is found to have faked her documents, she may be deported before the 2023 competition.
“We are aware of the allegations and are currently monitoring the situation and any investigations that that may be brought forward,” the WTA said in a statement.
A spokesperson for the Department of Home Affair refused to say whether Giorgi was currently being investigated, as per ABC News.
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“All allegations of fraudulent or falsified information relating to a visa application are assessed to determine the veracity of the claims,” the spokesperson said.
“If a document submitted in support of a visa application is found to be fraudulent, the visa may be refused or cancelled,” they added.
Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley stayed fairly tight lipped when asked about the allegations on Sunday morning.
“I think there’s still a lot to be uncovered on that and I think that’s going to be ultimately up to their family and the relevant authorities including the tour,” he said.
“I don’t really know any further detail.”
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