Riku Danzaki and another player from a lower-level competition could face jail time over betting scandal

A Japanese recruit who plays for Melbourne club Western United is one of two men charged by police after a major probe into betting corruption.

Riku Danzaki is accused of rorting games. Picture: Getty

An A-League player from Melbourne club Western United is one of two men charged after a major probe into betting corruption on four of the team’s matches.

Japanese recruit Riku Danzaki and another player from a lower-level competition could face jail time after being entangled in an inquiry launched by the Victoria Police sporting integrity intelligence unit.

The charges could lead to jail time for Danzaki. Picture: Getty

The Herald Sun understands the probe began after betting irregularities emerged revolving around a player being issued with cards by match referees.

A bookmaking firm took the issue to police after noticing the irregularities.

Bets on such niche wagering options can often stand out because they are normally the subject of smaller investments by punters.

Western United confirmed that one of its players was charged on Saturday afternoon, stating the club was “co-operating fully” with investigators.

“The club is aware that one Western United player has been charged in relation to an alleged breach of sports betting guidelines,” it said.

“We take this matter seriously, condemn any actions that compromise the integrity of the game, and are co-operating fully with all relevant authorities.

Western United said the club was co-operating with investigators. Picture: Getty

“Given the nature of the investigation, we are unable to comment any further.”

A 25-year-old West Melbourne man and a 27-year-old Kingsville man were arrested and interviewed by police on Friday after warrants were executed in Richmond, West Melbourne and Kingsville.

The 25-year-old has been charged with 10 offences including four of engaging in conduct that corrupts or would corrupt a betting outcome of an event, and four of facilitating conduct that corrupts or would corrupt a betting outcome of an event.

He also faces counts of corrupt conduct involving information for betting purposes, and attempting to commit an indictable offence.

The Kingsville man is facing 16 charges, 11 of which are for corrupt conduct involving information for betting purposes, and four of facilitating conduct that corrupts or would corrupt a betting outcome of an event.

He is also facing a charge of attempting to commit an indictable offence.

A bookmaking firm took the issue to police after noticing irregularities. Picture: Supplied

During the inquiry, detectives worked closely with Football Australia, which moved quickly against the pair.

An FA spokesman said “no-fault interim suspensions” had been imposed and that those bans would remain in place until further notice.

“Football Australia takes the integrity of football extremely seriously and behaviour that seeks to undermine that has no place in out sport or in society,” the spokesman said.

“Football Australia is co-operating fully with external authorities.”

Betting agencies offer a number of possible bets revolving around the handing out of cards to players during games.

These include individual odds of a player receiving a yellow or red card, the amount of cards a team will receive in a game, and how many total cards will be shown in either half, to name a few.

Danzaki, who turned 25 on Saturday, had never received a yellow card until his move to the A-League in the 2023-24 season.

He received one that year, followed by two in April and May this year.

Western United won both those games; 1-0 at home against Sydney on April 27, when the left-winger received the card in the first minute of extra time of the first half; and 3-2 against Adelaide at home when he was carded in the 73rd minute.

Both games were watched by about 3000 fans and refereed by respected Queenslander Alex King.

The attacking midfielder, who wears the number 77 shirt, has four goals to his name and nine assists in 29 matches played this season.

The Western United website describes Danzaki as a player who provides “international flair and technical prowess”.

It says he is a high-energy fan favourite admired for his work rate “Danzaki has quickly adapted to the Australian game, becoming a dynamic presence in the midfield,” the website says.

“Danzaki has impressed with his vision, creativity, and ability to control the tempo of play.

His skilful dribbling and passing range allow him to unlock defences and create goalscoring opportunities for his teammates.”

In May last year A-League club Macarthur FC had a trio of players arrested for betting corruption at the close of the season.

Captain Ulises Davila and teammates Clayton Lewis and Kearyn Baccus were believed to have been taking instructions from a man in South America to take yellow cards in return for profit.

NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Mike Fitzgerald alleged up to $10,000 had been paid to convince them to earn yellow cards at the time.

Originally published as Riku Danzaki and another player from a lower-level competition could face jail time over betting scandal