Three A-League players were arrested in Sydney on Friday morning over an alleged corrupt betting scheme.
The A-League is the highest-level of professional men’s soccer in Australia.
The names of the three players have not been published by NSW Police, but they are all “attached” to a club in southwestern Sydney. The only team based in southwestern Sydney is Macarthur FC.
NSW Police allege a senior player in the team was taking instructions from a man believed to be in South America to manipulate the number of yellow cards awarded during games.
In return, the players allegedly received a cut of the profits.
The police investigation began in December last year, with help from the United Kingdom Gambling Commission.
A-League betting scheme
The games where yellow card manipulation allegedly occurred were in November and December 2023. Police say failed attempts were also made during matches in April and May 2024.
A 33-year-old player was arrested in South Coogee this morning, and is expected to be charged with engaging in corrupt betting conduct, and facilitating similar corrupt conduct.
A 27-year-old in Parramatta and a 32-year-old in West Hoxton were also arrested over allegations of corrupt betting conduct, allegedly coordinated by the South Coogee man.
Football Australia statement
Football Australia said it’s aware of the three arrests, and is “fully cooperating” with police and law enforcement authorities. It offered no further comment.
The Professional Footballers’ Association – the union representing Australia’s footballers – said it’s aware of the arrests but hadn’t received confirmation on the identity of the players.
The players are expected to face court this afternoon.
