The A-League is reeling on the eve of its showpiece finals campaign after NSW Police charged three players with alleged betting offences.
The players are alleged to be from Macarthur FC, based in Campbelltown, and reports in the Sydney Morning Herald link the arrests with a South American individual who was arranging for yellow cards to be given in games.
Matches between Macarthur and Melbourne Victory in November and Sydney FC in December are under suspicion for bookings having been awarded, with further games in April and May cited as failed attempts.
The players are a 33-year-old, who was arrested in South Coogee, a 27-year-old, arrested in Parramatta and a 32-year-old, arrested in West Hoxton.
The investigation took place with the assistance of British police, who tipped the NSW Organised Crime Squad off.
The anti-corruption authority, Sport Integrity Australia, said they were also involved.
“Sport Integrity Australia can confirm the agency’s involvement in this matter,” read a statement.
“SIA and ACIC acted on information provided by a UK agency and worked with relevant Australian bodies resulting in a referral to NSW Police.
“This is a matter for NSW Police and as it is before the courts SIA will not be making further comment.”
Both Football Australia (FA) and the Australian Professional Leagues (APL), who run the A-League, have commented that they are assisting police.
“Football Australia has been made aware of the arrests of three A-League Men players this morning, following an investigation by the NSW Police Force Organised Crime Squad into alleged betting corruption under Strike Force Beaconview,” said a Football Australia statement.
“The arrested players are expected to face court this afternoon. The allegations pertain to yellow card manipulation by players associated with a south-western Sydney football club, with incidents reportedly occurring during games played on 24 November 2023, 9 December 2023, 20 April 2024, and 4 May 2024.
“Football Australia is fully co-operating with the Organised Crime Squad, Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, Sport Integrity Australia and the NSW Crime Commission in this matter.
“Football Australia will provide no further comments at this stage as the investigation is ongoing.”
The APL statement added: “The APL is aware of the arrests of three A-League players by NSW Police as a result of international law enforcement coordination focussed on betting corruption related to alleged yellow card manipulation in games.
“The work to protect the integrity of our game must be unwavering and we are liaising closely with all relevant agencies on this matter. Given the ongoing nature of the investigation and Police enquiries we are unable to comment further at this time.”