Following an investigation and hearing, the Darts Regulation Authority has ruled that PDPA associate member Wessel Nijman has been suspended from the sport for a period of five years.

Two-and-a-half years of this ban will be suspended on the condition that Nijman continues to engage in player education and anti-corruption measures as agreed with the DRA.

The PDPA condemns the actions of any player found to be in breach of betting integrity and anti-corruption rules.

However, we are pleased that Nijman’s admission of guilt, full cooperation with the DRA and PDPA, and his enthusiastic intention to engage in player education and anti-corruption measures has been reflected in the DRA’s ruling.

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.”

Nijman’s suspension is backdated to 18 August 2020 when he was initially suspended pending the hearing.

Full details of the hearing can be found via the DRA website thedra.co.uk

The PDPA recently hosted two online seminars presented by Sporting Chance on the subjects of Gambling & Betting Integrity. Recorded versions are available to PDPA by request.

Further help and guidance on these issues is available via the PDPA.

The PDPA condemns the offence carried out by Wessel Nijman and supports the outcome of the hearing but remains supportive of his attitude, cooperation and engagement throughout the process. We are encouraged by his enthusiasm to use his experience to help others and look forward to facilitating that in the education we provide for our members.

We will continue to offer support and guidance for any of our members and encourage members in need of such help to contact the PDPA at the earliest opportunity.

Please note: The case of Kyle McKinstry is ongoing, therefore no further statements are appropriate at this time.