A-League Rocked by Match-Fixing Scandal as Players Charged

Australia’s premier football tournament, the A-competition, is engulfed in a major scandal involving three Macarthur FC players who are accused of match-fixing.

Ulises Dávila (33), Clayton Lewis (27), and Kearyn Baccus (32) were arrested by the NSW Police Organized Crime Squad Gaming Unit for allegedly manipulating yellow cards during matches to influence gambling results. Dávila is the club captain.

The investigation appears to be concentrated on games that took place between November 24, 2023, and December 9, 2023, with attempts being made to change yellow cards that may have been given in earlier games this year.

The local media claimed that Dávila had bought his younger teammates AU$10,000 each to get yellow cards at crucial moments during the games.

He claimed to have gotten orders from a contact in South America.

During the investigation, Dávila was given yellow cards in games against Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory.

He faces charges of “conduct that corrupts the outcome of a betting event,” while Baccus and Lewis face additional charges of “participating in a criminal group.”

The prospective repercussions of such behavior were highlighted by NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Michael Fitzgerald, who stated, “We will allege that the issuing of four yellow cards…could change the way the game went.”

Speaking to the players’ long-term consequences, he emphasized that “[A] $10,000 reward is insignificant compared to the damage a conviction for such an offense causes.” Fitzgerald went on to mention the players’ supposed violation of the faith of the supporters.

The betting, according to the authorities, happened outside of Australia, most likely in South America. In a statement, Macarthur FC expressed shock and pledged to assist law police. “Integrity of our game is a foundation pillar,” the press release reads, “and we will work closely with all relevant agencies on this matter.”

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Original Story by: Inside Asian Gaming