Victoria Police has charged two men, including an A-League player, over an alleged corrupt betting scheme.
The unnamed Western United player is accused of “cheating at gambling during the A League soccer season.”
A-League is the highest level of professional men’s football in Australia.
It comes one year after a separate incident saw three A-League players arrested over an illegal betting scheme in NSW.
Here’s the latest.
Context
Two men in their twenties have been charged as part of a “sporting integrity investigation” by Vic Police. The unnamed men are accused of manipulating four recent A-League games.
Western United – an A-League team based in the western suburbs of Melbourne – confirmed one of its players has been charged with gambling-related offences.
The club said it’s “cooperating fully” with investigations and takes “any actions that compromise the integrity of the game,” seriously.
Victoria Police allege the men were engaged in “conduct that corrupts... a betting outcome.”
It is believed they were involved in a scheme that manipulated the number of yellow cards awarded during games.
Referees can issue yellow cards to players as a warning for misconduct.
Some gambling sites allow bets on how many yellow cards will be handed out in a game.
Your contribution ensures The Daily Aus can continue doing the work you love.
I want to give $10 monthly to help TDA keep doing the news.
Your details:
Further details
Police allege the yellow card manipulation occurred during four matches in April and May.
A 24-year-old player was arrested in Richmond on Friday and is expected to be charged with 10 offences, including four counts of conduct to “corrupt a betting outcome”.
A 27-year-old Kingsville man has been charged with 16 corruption offences, including 11 counts related to using deceitful conduct information for betting purposes.
Macarthur FC
The Victorian investigation comes after NSW Police arrested three A-League players over an alleged corrupt betting scheme in May 2024.
The captain of the southwestern Sydney club Macarthur FC is accused of taking instructions from an international crime figure to manipulate the number of yellow cards awarded during games.
It’s alleged he recruited two teammates to assist in the scheme for a cut of betting profits.
The three players were stood down by the club. Court proceedings are ongoing.
Next steps
Police have not released any information indicating that the Macarthur and Western United investigations are connected.
Both men have been released on bail since their arrests.
They are expected to face court in Melbourne on 31 July.
