Football Australia to face integrity investigation after two match-fixing scandals in the space of 12 months
Football Australia is under official scrutiny following a second A-League match-fixing scandal in just 12 months.
Victoria's gambling regulator has announced it will conduct a formal 'suitability review' of Football Australia's integrity framework.
The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) will lead the investigation during the 2025–26 financial year.
This review comes after Western United midfielder Riku Danzaki was charged with 10 offences related to match-fixing.
Police allege Danzaki deliberately received yellow cards in A-League matches across April and May this year.
Victoria Police's Sporting Integrity Intelligence Unit charged two men linked to the scandal. The pair were bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on July 31.
One of the men is a 24-year-old from West Melbourne, and the other is a 27-year-old from Kingsville.
Both men have been bailed to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates Court on July 31.
Western United confirmed a player had been charged, stating, 'We take this matter seriously.'
The club said it is cooperating fully with authorities but declined to comment further.
Football Australia responded by issuing no-fault interim suspensions to both charged individuals.
'The suspensions will remain in place until further notice,' Football Australia said in a statement.
The Australian Professional Leagues also confirmed a player had been charged.
A spokesperson said, 'The integrity of our sport is something that has to be protected without compromise.'
This marks the second time in a year that yellow card betting allegations have rocked the A-League.
In May 2024, Macarthur FC players Ulises Davila, Kearyn Bacchus and Clayton Lewis were charged by NSW Police.
Those charges also involved the alleged manipulation of yellow card outcomes for betting purposes.
The VGCCC labelled the latest allegations 'concerning' and signalled deeper examination of Football Australia's controls.
'This will include looking at the activities FA allows betting on, such as yellow cards,' a VGCCC spokesperson said.
Football Australia confirmed it had been notified of the impending review in April.
'Football Australia welcomes the opportunity to continue to refine our vigilance against integrity threats,' it stated.
It said integrity challenges affect all sports globally and require unified efforts from regulators and agencies.
'The job on integrity is never complete as offenders are becoming more and more sophisticated,' it added.
Under Victorian law, Football Australia is a designated sports controlling body.
This status gives it the power to negotiate betting markets and oversee soccer's integrity.
It also allows Football Australia to receive a portion of gambling revenue, including bets on yellow cards.
In 2023, Four Corners revealed that Football Australia permitted bets on all tiers of football.
This includes international fixtures, national leagues, and even amateur suburban matches.
In contrast, leagues like the AFL and NRL restrict gambling to their top two professional levels.
Melbourne University's Professor Jack Anderson said the review would likely question the scope of permitted bets.
'Are some of these bets presenting such a risk that they should be struck off?' he asked.
Anderson said yellow card manipulation is a growing problem worldwide.
'It's very discrete. A player can generate a yellow card almost to the minute,' he said.
The issue is not limited to Australia, with global football also grappling with similar cases.
Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paqueta, who plays for West Ham United, is currently under investigation.
The UK Football Association charged Paqueta over alleged yellow card spot-fixing in the Premier League.
If found guilty, he could face a lifetime ban from football.
Paqueta has denied all allegations and continues to defend his innocence.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
39 minutes ago
- The Sun
Fabio Wardley vs Justis Huni LIVE RESULTS: Main event ON NOW in MASSIVE Portman Road heavyweight clash
Smart left hook lands for Huni - forces Wardley to tie up. Wardley stabs to the body and Huni fires back over the top - not much to split them. Wardley yet to let the right hand go just yet - he looks to be trying to time and walk Huni onto one. Wardley goes looking for the big right hand early. Big left to the body from Huni followed by a right hand - good boxing from the Aussie. Sharp jabs from Wardley but Huni is light on his feet and elusive - close opener. Both have been introduced and we are now ready for the main event. Can Huni spring a late-notice upset or will he be the latest on Wardley's highlight reel? Both men have made their way to the ring and we're moments away now. Portman Road has filled out nicely despite the glum weather - with Wardley ready to put on a lightening performance. Fabio Wardley revealed he is facing his girlfriend's wrath with their first baby due NEXT WEEK. He said: 'This is a slightly tense topic. My missus wasn't the happiest with this fight date. 'She is due a week later but it is Portman Road. It's not just any fight, it's the one at Portman Road. She said, 'Yeah I know but…' 'They say the chances are that the first one comes late but who knows. "Whatever will be will be at this stage. I'm just focusing on my job at this point and that is winning the fight. 'It's a mad 2025 and really just a mad June but I can't wait. I'm ready for fatherhood. My best mate's not long had his, a beautiful little girl as well. "So being able to watch her grow and knowing that's coming for me has made me a big softie to be honest. "It's going to be something special and I'm really looking forward to it.' Judges score the bout 116-112, 115-113, and 117-112 with O'Leary awarded the unanimous decision. Slightly closer on some scorecards but O'Leary rightly crowned the champion after 12 good rounds. Fabio Wardley up next in the main event! That brings an end to 12 really good rounds. O'Leary appeared to have Dillon hurt to the body on several occasions but the hard-as-nails Londoner had no quit in him. Dillon - coming up from featherweight - deserves big opportunities after that showing while O'Leary will take the 140lb European title. Dillon walks onto a huge shot but again he takes it well. O'Leary has targeted head and body all night but has not been able to break Dillon - who's overhand right has been his best shot. Head into the 12th and final round with O'Leary well in front but having had to work for it. O'Leary let's the body shots rip on the inside but Dillon fires back - as he has done all night. Right hook to the body again for O'Leary before evading what comes back - smart boxing. Two more rounds to go and it's been great value so far. Nice counter left hook from O'Leary draws a smile of acknowledgement from Dillon. Double left to the body from O'Leary, classy work. But how tough is Dillon? Earned every penny tonight. Dillon clips O'Leary with a sharp hook over the top but takes one in return. Lovely uppercut followed by a right hand from O'Leary - excellent boxing. Sharp counter right uppercut comes up through the middle from O'Leary. Thudding body shots from O'Leary as Dillon plants his feet and trades blows - gutsy stuff. Another left to the body leaves Dillon grimacing but he fights back again - warrior. Big right hook to the body from O'Leary leaves Dillon wincing. Dillon showing real toughness, taking the shots and coming back with his own. But O'Leary is the one coming forward, landing the more shots and taking control half way through. O'Leary slip to the left and whips in a body shot - wonderful work. Dillon is looking for the right hand over the top and O'Leary hammers in another body shot - this time a right down the middle. Nip and tuck action, Dillon landing some telling shots over the top but O'Leary the stronger of the two walking forward. Dillon's legs seem shaky whenever O'Leary lands - he's well in the ascendancy. But Dillon does come back with a decent right hand, proving he's still in this. Dillon lands a nice right hand and uppercut but O'Leary fire back with a triple jab - tight affair here. Excellent counter left hook from O'Leary but Dillon comes back with his own work. Big left hook wobbles Dillon! His legs were shaken but he comes back fighting fire with fire. Big body shot and hook over the top lands for O'Leary - Dillon looks hurt here. Right hook over the top for Dillon but O'Leary just brushes it off. Both land rights at the same time, O'Leary starting to walk Dillon down, coming on strong. Both land big hooks on the inside very early on - let's hope that's a sign of things to come. Dillon has a high guard, looking to walk forward and O'Leary is letting shots go a little more freely. Not much to split the pair. In the chief support, Pierce O'Leary meets Liam Dillon for the European super-lightweight champion. Then, Fabio Wardley will follow as the main event. Whipping double right hook, Richardson having fun with it. Real signs of talent in there tonight, light on his feet and quick to throw in numbers. Creative at times too with his rigid opponent Protkunas not offering many gaps. Eye-catching debut for Williams. Protkunas comes out swinging but it doesn't last long as Richardson takes control again. Back on the move, back throwing in numbers, very impressive debut so far. Richardson just puts his hands up, walks forward and lets his hands go. Good variety as we head into the sixth and final round.
Edinburgh Live
3 hours ago
- Edinburgh Live
Police thwart alleged terror attack plan on King Charles' guards
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Police have allegedly thwarted a suspected terror attack on the soldiers protecting King Charles. It is reported a man was arrested after his alleged plan was revealed while he was in custody being interrogated on separate offences. Following the man's arrest military personnel at a barracks near Windsor Castle in Windsor, Berkshire were reportedly warned not to leave the grounds in uniform. The alert remained in place for two days at Victoria Barracks, home to the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards, the Mirror reports. A source told The Sun : 'The suspect is feared to have been plotting an attack. Police informed bosses at the barracks and measures were taken immediately despite him already being in custody. It was a huge security scare. But it was in the interests of everyone's safety.' According to the Sun Thames Valley Police first arrested the man in Slough, Berkshire, last week on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon and arson at the nearby Salt Hill Activity Centre. However, while he was in custody on Sunday June, 1 police re-arrested him on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sentstraight to your messages. It is believed the investigation is now being led by Counter Terrorism Policing South East. The suspect is believed to be a 'lone actor' and no other arrests have been made. The alleged incident has understandably caused some concern among local residents so police have steppd up patrols to reassure the public. Police have not yet named, or released any further details about, the 20-year-old man arrested on suspicion of the suspected terror attack. Windsor Barracks, specifically Victoria Barracks and Combermere Barracks, have a rich history intertwined with military service and the royal family. Victoria Barracks was originally built for the Foot Guards and has seen various expansions and changes over time. Today, it's home to the Household Cavalry and is the starting point for the Changing the Guard procession at Windsor Castle. The barracks are located 0.25 miles (0.40 km) south of Windsor Castle. Windsor Castle, the world's largest and oldest occupied castle, is open on set days throughout the year. As a working royal palace, it is used frequently by The Sovereign for State ceremonies and official entertaining, and closures can occasionally occur at short notice. The presence of the monarch at Windsor Castle is signified by the Royal Standard flag flying majestically from the Round Tower. This is a tradition that continued from Victoria's time. Although Queen Victoria is long gone, this practice is a direct nod to her reign and the customs she helped establish. Earlier this week an intruder sparked a royal security scare after they allegedly broke into the grounds of Windsor Castle. The man is said to have climbed over the wall to get in the castle grounds on Sunday before he was quickly detained by officers from the Metropolitan Police, which is responsible for security at the royal residence. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox A man in his 30s was then handed over to the local police force, Thames Valley, before being arrested on suspicion of trespass and possession of a Class A drug. The Ministry of Defence and Counter Terrorism Policing South East have both been approached for comment.
The Sun
4 hours ago
- The Sun
Parents of Brit backpacker, 24, facing 20 years in prison over fatal e-scooter crash fly to Australia
THE parents of a British backpacker facing 20 years in prison over a fatal e-scooter crash have flown to Australia to be with their daughter. Alicia Kemp, 24, was denied bail in an Australian court after being charged over the horror smash that left 51-year-old Thanh Phan with fatal head injuries last Saturday. 5 The psychology graduate from Redditch, Worcestershire, is accused of striking Phan from behind while speeding down a footpath in Perth with a friend on board as a passenger. The Brit had also been drinking for six hours before the crash, reports The Sydney Morning Herald. A neighbour in Redditch revealed that her parents had flown to Australia on Tuesday to be with their daughter, according to The Times. Prosecutors said Kemp had a blood alcohol content of 0.158 when she 'careered into his back' at up to 25km/h as the dad stood at a crossing on Saturday night. The court heard walkers had to 'take evasive action' to avoid Kemp's 'inexplicably dangerous' riding, which was captured on CCTV. Her 26-year-old passenger also suffered a fractured skull and broken nose. Kemp, who was in Australia on a four-month tourist visa with her partner, had been working at Durty Nelly's Irish Pub in Perth. She had been drinking with a friend from 2.30pm - who was kicked out of a bar for being too drunk - before they hired the e-scooter just before 8.30pm. Her bail bid was rejected after a magistrate ruled she posed too great a flight risk. 'It's a very difficult decision for the court to make,' the magistrate said. Brit tourist, 18, reported missing for days in Thailand is arrested on 'drug offences' in Georgia 4,000 miles away 'The temptation might be that [she] won't return… I can't manage that risk.' Phan's devastated family described him as a 'beloved husband, father of two, brother, and dear friend', and are now calling for a crackdown on e-scooter safety laws. 'We also call for a review of the governance and safety regulations surrounding hired e-scooters to help prevent further serious incidents that put lives at risk,' they said in a statement. In a statement released through police, Phan's grieving family pleaded for privacy and called on authorities to tighten e-scooter hire regulations. 'We also call for a review of the governance and safety regulations surrounding hired e-scooters to help prevent further serious incidents that put lives at risk,' they said. Kemp remains in custody on remand and is due back in court on July 15. Police prosecutors argued that Kemp's status as a foreign tourist working in Perth made her a flight risk, and highlighted the severity of her charges. Western Australian police have confirmed they will continue to investigate whether any additional offences, including possible public nuisance charges, could be laid against Kemp. 5
