AFL umpire Michael Pell questioned by sports corruption cops over alleged Brownlow vote leak

The AFL umpire questioned by sports corruption cops during a bombshell probe into suspicious Brownlow Medal betting has been named.

AFL umpire Michael Pell faces being charged with corruption after his arrest by sporting integrity police in a bombshell Brownlow Medal votes voting leak investigation.

The Herald Sun believes the ­inquiry, which has entangled Pell, relates to allegations of betting on votes from several rounds he umpired this season, his first officiating full matches in the league.

He was one of four men arrested on Monday morning by detectives from the Victoria Police Sporting Integrity Intelligence Unit.

The 32-year-old was interviewed in relation to allegations he engaged in conduct that corrupts or would corrupt a betting outcome.

The maximum for the alleged offending is 10 years imprisonment.

AFL field umpire Michael Pell has been questioned by sports corruption cops. Picture: AFL Photos

The others, a 32-year-old from Glenroy, a 27-year-old from Drouin and a 29-year-old from Oak Park were quizzed in relation to the offence of using corrupt conduct information for betting purposes.

It is believed they were asked about spot bets on who would get three votes in certain matches.

Police said several mobile phones and electronic items were seized as warrants were carried out at Glenroy, Kilsyth, Oak Park, Drouin, Craigieburn and Doreen.

All of the men detained were released about midday, with three of those arrested expected to be charged on summons, a Victoria Police statement said.

Another man was released pending further inquiries.

The AFL was alerted by a betting partner after Brownlow night that there had been suspicious punting activity on multiple games and called in police.

Pell is on leave and is expected to be stood down.

AFL chief Gil McLachlan receiving the votes on awards night. Picture: Getty Images

His first game was in round one of the 2022 season when he adjudicated in a North Melbourne versus Hawthorn fixture.

Pell later spoke of his excitement at getting the opportunity.

“Amazing, and a great sense of achievement, that everything I’ve worked towards has culminated in a moment such as this,” he told the AFL Umpires Association website.

The AFL is not aware of whether it is alleged the information was shared for personal gain or as a tip-off for friends.

“It’s alleged that a person with knowledge of the voting tally of these matches distributed the information to a group of people known to them,” a Victoria Police statement said.

Police said they were investigating how many matches may have had votes released and the size of bets involved.

The Brownlow spot betting market only opens in the period before the count and round-by-round wagering is not allowed during the season.

The investigation is being run with the AFL and Sport Integrity Australia.

Police say there is nothing to suggest of the vote, won by Carlton’s Patrick Cripps, was impacted. Picture: Getty Images

AFL executive general manager of football and general counsel Andrew Dillon said he had no information the Brownlow Medal result had been compromised.

“In the days following the 2022 Brownlow Medal count, the AFL was made aware of potential suspicious activity by one of our betting agency partners and the AFL Integrity unit immediately gathered further information,” Dillon said.

“Given the nature of the alleged activity we engaged Sports Integrity Australia and Victoria Police to assist with the matter.

“Neither Victoria Police, nor the AFL have information to suggest that the outcome of the Brownlow Medal was impacted as the allegations relate solely to the leaking or improper communication of the 3,2,1 voting outcomes of some specific matches during the season.

“Post-game, the Brownlow votes are sealed and stored in a secure off-site location and not opened until they are delivered on stage on Brownlow night. The sealed vote cards are audited throughout the season by KPMG.”

Commander Deb Robertson from Victoria Police’s Intelligence and Covert Support Command said a dedicated team of detectives were working on the case.

She said Victorians loved the AFL and the Brownlow and wanted to know there was integrity, fairness and honesty behind the award.

Umpire Michael Pell during a match

“We have been working with the AFL and Sport Integrity Australia in relation to these matters, and we will continue to work together to target, disrupt and apprehend people who commit these offences.

“The public assistance is a really key part – we know there are people out there involved in sport who see or hear things they know are not right and we need them to speak up.”

Carlton captain Patrick Cripps won the 2022 poll in a tight count that came down to the last round of voting.

Neighbours of Mr Pell, who is a new father, were shocked to hear he was implicated in the inquiry.

“Wow … I would never have even thought in a million years.”

The neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, said she regularly sees him playing outside with his family.

Other neighbours, who said the family was “lovely,” did not want to comment further.

Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit the website www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Originally published as AFL umpire Michael Pell questioned by sports corruption cops over alleged Brownlow vote leak