Three footballers who play in Australia’s top division, the A-League, have been charged after an investigation into alleged betting corruption. 

The investigation was carried out by the Organised Crime Squad into alleged betting corruption under Strike Force Beaconview. 

Strike Force Beaconview was established in December 2023 by State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad Gaming Unit and was assisted by the Gambling Commission in the UK, to investigate alleged yellow card manipulations by players who are from a South-Western Sydney football club. 

It has been revealed that a senior player was allegedly taking instructions from a man, believed to be in South America, to organise for yellow cards to be taken during certain games in return for money. 

The yellow cards were said to be manipulated during games played on 24 November 2023 and 9 December 2023, while failed attempts were allegedly made to control the number of yellow cards during games on 20 April 2024 and 4 May 2024. 

As a result of the investigations three players aged 33, 27 and 32 will appear in court on 24 June, 27 June and 30 May respectively. 

The team of the players was not revealed by New South Wales Police, but numerous reports have revealed a statement from A-League side Macarthur FC, which said: “Integrity of our game is a foundation pillar and we will work closely with all relevant agencies on this matter.” 

The A-League itself also unveiled a statement which said: “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.” 

In related news at the start of this month, Sandro Tonali was handed a two-month suspended suspension and a £20,000 fine for betting offences.