Football Australia Integrity Unit reviewing Magpies Crusaders match betting allegations

An under-fire Magpies Crusaders Football Club says it was ‘completely unaware’ of match betting allegations until its head coach resigned. Read about the investigation.

Allegations of Magpies Crusaders players’ families betting on matches have been referred to Football Australia.

The claims surfaced on Monday when coach Brian Murphy resigned, telling media he wanted to distance himself from any suggestion the club was involved in betting on matches.

“I’m not saying there’s match fixing but there’s definitely gambling been going on and it’s something that needs investigating further,” Murphy said.

Magpies Crusaders Football Club said it was “completely unaware of any such assertion” until a meeting with the FQPL 1 Men’s head coach on Monday when he tendered his resignation.

“In light of recent comments that have been made publicly, Magpies Crusaders United Football Club would like to provide a response to match-fixing and gambling allegations,” the statement read.

“Magpies Crusaders is taking this matter very seriously and is committed to co-operating fully with Football Queensland and Football Australia’s investigation.

“As always, Magpies Crusaders wish to maintain the highest level of integrity and transparency but will be unable to provide any further comment as the investigation continues.”

The Magpies Crusaders referred the allegations to Football Queensland, which issued a statement on Tuesday.

“Football Queensland has referred this matter to the Football Australia Integrity Department for investigation,” a spokeswoman said.

Former Mackay and Whitsunday Magpies Crusaders coach Brian Murphy. Picture: Contributed

“Football Queensland will not comment further on any open investigation.”

Football Australia has been contacted for comment.

Magpies Crusaders were officially relegated from the National Premier League in October 2021 with four rounds left in that season.

The outfit has lost two of three games in the FQPL 1 competition, only getting up over Sunshine Coast.

Football Queensland confirmed there were no changes to fixtures this weekend, with Magpies Crusaders to line up against Mitchelson FC at Sologinkin Oval on Saturday.

Magpies Crusaders United will also face Mackay Lions Soccer Club at Lions Park on Wednesday.

Questions on a replacement coach after Murphy’s resignation have gone unanswered.

Murphy signed on to the flailing Crusaders this season, determined to cut a path back to the National Premier League fresh from success taking his former club Onehunga Mangere United to the title in 2021.

He said, in November, taking on a relatively young squad after recent relegation comes with its challenges but he was excited to work with the group.

Former Mackay and Whitsunday Magpies Crusaders coach Brian Murphy. Picture: Contributed

“All the players sign contracts, but they also work during the day and have families at home, so you’ve got to be mindful of their lives outside of football,” he said.

“They’re not always going to turn up to training with the right mindset so we need to be aware of that and make a comfortable environment for them to speak with coaches.”

Football Australia said it was aware of the allegations and they had been referred to its integrity department but “does not otherwise comment on open investigations”.

The code’s governing body takes a hard line against betting and match fixing.

“Football participants are prohibited from betting on football,” the FA sports betting and match manipulations guidelines state.

“The message Football Australia therefore delivers to its participants is clear: if you wish to engage in sports betting, pick another sport.

“You must never bet on any match you or your team is involved in as it would trigger a

conflict of interest that seriously compromises the integrity of football.

“If you bet on yourself or your opponent, you risk having your image and reputation tarnished, being banned from all football-related activities (possibly for life) and potentially becoming the subject of a criminal investigation and/or prosecution.”