Match called off as police probe alleged approaches to players

The Age

26-06-2025

Police are investigating allegations that players at a former A-League club were approached by representatives of a Chinese company to manipulate betting outcomes after a match was dramatically abandoned just hours before it was due to begin.
The probe involves former A-League team Gold Coast United, whose latest game in the semi-professional National Premier Leagues Queensland on Wednesday night was abruptly called off on match day after an intervention by Football Australia (FA), who have also reported the matter to Sport Integrity Australia.
'Football Australia is aware of an alleged integrity issue in Queensland,' a spokesperson for FA said.
'Football Australia has reported the matter to Sport Integrity Australia and the Queensland Police for investigation and, accordingly, won't be providing any further comment while the investigation is ongoing.'
Gold Coast United's men's team were scheduled to take on Brisbane side Moreton City Excelsior in a second-versus-third match in the state's top-tier competition, but football authorities intervened and postponed it.
According to a source with knowledge of the situation, speaking on condition of anonymity for legal reasons, officials were made aware of alleged approaches to players by representatives of a Chinese company.
It was not clear whether they encouraged players to lose matches, give away yellow cards or perform other on-field actions for betting purposes. Players were said to have rebuffed the advances.
Gold Coast United chairman Andrew Parkes confirmed the club had been advised that the game would not go ahead on Wednesday but said he had no further information.