Recent developments in the Australian soccer match-fixing case have revealed that two additional players may be involved, in addition to the three Macarthur FC players who have already been charged. Midfielder Kearyn Baccus appeared in court to face charges related to an illegal betting scheme involving receiving yellow cards during A-League matches in exchange for payment.
Baccus, along with team captain Ulises Davila and teammate Clayton Lewis, was arrested on May 17 and subsequently suspended by Football Australia under its code of conduct regulations. Documents presented in court indicated that two other players are suspected of participating in the criminal group.
Football Australia issued a statement acknowledging the allegations and clarified that one of the players mentioned is not considered a suspect and is not under investigation. The organization emphasized its commitment to cooperating fully with the authorities in the ongoing investigation.
The New South Wales state police organized crime squad initiated Strike Force Beaconview last December to investigate suspicious spot-fixing betting patterns identified with the assistance of British officials. Police have previously mentioned a fourth Macarthur FC player wanted for questioning who was not present in New South Wales during the arrests.
Investigators allege that the manipulation of yellow cards occurred during games played in November and December, with all three accused players receiving yellow cards in a match against Sydney FC on December 9. Attempts to repeat the scheme during matches in April and May were reportedly unsuccessful.
When charges were filed, Police Assistant Commissioner Michael Fitzgerald condemned the players for betraying the trust of their supporters and the integrity of the sport. Macarthur FC, a relatively new team in the A-League men's competition, has been cooperating with authorities throughout the investigation.
The case involving the Macarthur FC players is set to continue, with Baccus scheduled to appear in court on June 24 for further proceedings at Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court. The league, which consists of 11 clubs in Australia and one in New Zealand, has been closely monitoring the situation as it unfolds.
