VFL bans five players, official, for betting on football matches

Five VFL players and a club official have been banned for betting on matches, even though four of the players never actually placed a wager.

The VFL has handed down bans to five players and an official for betting on matches.

Five VFL players and a club official have been banned for betting on matches.

AFL Victoria confirmed this afternoon that the six had received suspensions ranging from one to three matches.

But only one player directly placed a bet.

An AFL Victoria statement said the other four had allowed a “third party company to use their personal details to run an online wagering account in their name’’.

“While they did not personally place any bets, they handed over their personal details and these accounts placed bets on VFL/AFL matches,’’ the statement said.

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“No player in breach has previously been an AFL-listed player.

“All VFL players and officials receive regular gambling education and any player or official who is found to be in breach of VFL rules will be sanctioned accordingly.’’

The players have not been named and the suspensions relate to bets placed last year.

Leader on Tuesday asked AFL Victoria for details about an investigation into breaches of the VFL’s gambling policy after receiving information that at least two players had been called in by their clubs.

AFL Victoria confirmed the investigation but declined to comment further.

Under regulations for the VFL and VFL Women’s competitions, players, coaches and officials are barred from betting on AFL and VFL matches.

They are also banned from entering any tipping or fantasy leagues competitions that are sponsored by betting companies.

They can participate in competitions such as SuperCoach but cannot claim the major prizes.

AFL Victoria conducts annual education sessions with VFL and VFL W relating to its gambling rules.

It’s believed the 2019 gambling audit started on Monday, March 25, with the league warning players and officials that “futures’’ bets — for example on the 2019 Brownlow Medal or grand final — must be cancelled.

The VFL season kicks off tonight.

WHAT THE RULES SAY

VFL/VFL W GAMBLING REGULATIONS

“17.1 Gambling

(c) No Gambling

A Player, Coach, Club or Club Official must not:

i. bet or wager on any Australian Football Contingency;

ii. have an interest in any bet or wager, or have someone else place a bet or wager on their behalf on any Australian Football Contingency;

iii. facilitate or assist the making of a bet or wager on an Australian Football Contingency; or

iv. without the prior permission of the VFL, encourage, induce, advertise or promote betting on an Australian Football Contingency.

The prohibition on gambling under this Regulation 17.1(c) includes a prohibition on taking part in tipping exchanges (being an avenue through which tipsters sell their tips online) in respect of Australian Football Contingencies. For the avoidance of doubt, this Regulation 17.1(c) does not preclude players, coaches, Clubs and Club Officials from participating in ordinary footy tipping competitions.’’