Three members of A-League team Macarthur FC have been arrested by NSW police today, in relation to an alleged sports betting scandal.
The men were arrested following an investigation by the NSW Police Organised Crime Squad Gaming Unit, in relation to alleged instances of yellow card manipulation during multiple Macarthur games in the past year.
Police allege that the players took instruction from a South American individual, who organised for yellow cards to be given at specific instances throughout games dating back as far as November of 2023.
The fallout continues to grow, with one of the players at the centre of the scandal leaving the club.
Ulises Davila leaves Macarthur FC
On June 24th, after appearing at Downing Centre Local Court in Sydney, Macarthur FC announced captain Ulises Davila, the alleged ringleader of the plot, had left the club with immediate effect.
"The club and Ulises Davila have agreed on a mutual termination of his contract going forward.The club will not be making any further comment at this stage," the club said in a short statement.
Three A-League players arrested over alleged betting scandal
On Friday morning, NSW police arrested three members of A-League team Macarthur FC, over an alleged scheme that involved intentionally organise yellow cards during games.
A 33-year-old from South Coogee, a 27-year-old player from Parramatta, and a 32-year-old player from West Hoxton were all arrested and are set to face court this afternoon, according to Football Australia.
The 33-year-old is expected to be charged with two counts of engaging in conduct that corrupts a betting outcome of an event, and two counts of facilitating in conduct that corrupts a betting outcome of an event. The two other individuals will face charges of engaging in conduct that corrupts a betting outcome of an event.
"We will allege that the giving out of four yellow cards and the subsequent penalties that arose out of those yellow cards could in fact change the way that result of that game went," Assistant Commissioner Michael Fitzgerald said.
"While $10,000 may seem a lot of money to a young sportsperson, we will advise that is incredibly insignificant when you consider the damage that being charged with this offence and conviction results in.
"We will allege that these instance in November and December 2023, that these players betrayed the trust of their supporters."
The alleged incidents occurred during games between November 24 and December 9 of 2023, with a second failed set of attempts from April 20 to May 4 of this year.
