Riku Danzaki, Yuta Hirayama: Two Melbourne soccer players accused of betting fraud
Riku Danzaki, 25, was arrested by police in late May amid an investigation into allegations of gambling corruption during the A-League season.
The Japanese-born player, who played 49 games with Western United until his contract finished at the end of the last season, was charged with 10 offences including four counts of engaging in conduct that would corrupt a betting outcome, four counts of facilitating corrupt conduct and using corrupt conduct information for betting.
At the time of his arrest, Victoria Police alleged four matches in April and May 2025 had been subject to 'player to be carded wagering manipulation'.
Mr Danzaki appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Monday morning with the assistance of a Japanese interpreter as lawyer Lewis Winter asked the court for a three week adjournment. He did not enter a plea.
Mr Winter told the court he'd put forward an offer to resolve the case with diversion, which allows some first-time accused people to avoid a criminal conviction by meeting conditions, and was awaiting a response from prosecutors.
'I would be seeking around three weeks,' he said.
'I am confident it would be considered by them.'
Mr Danzaki's case was adjourned by Magistrate Tara Hartnett until August 13.
But a few hours later, as a second soccer player accused of involvement in the alleged betting corruption, Yuta Hirayama, 27, appeared in court, a police prosecutor indicated diversion would not be accepted for Mr Danzaki.
'I've spoken to Mr Winter … diversion is not going to be on the table,' the prosecutor said.
Mr Hirayama, who played last season with the Bayside Argonauts after several years playing for clubs in Queensland, was arrested the same day as Mr Danzaki on May 30.
He was charged with 16 offences including 11 counts of using corrupt conduct information for betting purposes and four counts of facilitating conduct that corrupts or would corrupt a betting outcome.
Lawyers acting for Mr Hirayama told the court the matter has been resolved with a plea however the case was stood down until the afternoon sitting.
Mr Hirayama is expected to return to the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Monday afternoon.
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