A-League star Ulises Davila accused of spot fixing, Macarthur Bulls terminates contract

One of the A-League’s biggest stars has fronted court for the first time over his alleged role in a spot-fixing scandal.

Macarthur FC captain Ulises Davila has had his contract “mutually terminated” after he was arrested over his alleged role in an A-League spot-fixing scandal.

Mr Davila, 33, was among a trio of Bulls players arrested last month for alleged betting corruption linked to a South American criminal figure.

The Mexican star, along with teammates Clayton Lewis and Kearyn Baccus, was arrested after an investigation led by the NSW Police Organised Crime Squad over allegations they organised to manipulate yellow cards during matches.

Police have alleged Mr Davila was taking instructions from a South American man to organise for yellow cards to occur during games in exchange for money.

He has been charged with participating in a criminal group, facilitating conduct that corrupts the betting outcome of an event and two counts of engaging in conduct that corrupts the betting outcome of an event.

He faced Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court for the first time since his arrest on Monday.

Macarthur Bulls FC issued a short statement following the court appearance.

“The club and Ulises Davila have agreed on a mutual termination of his contract going forward,” the statement read.

“The club will not be making any further comment at this stage.”

Ulises Davila (right) faced court for the first time on Monday. Picture: NewsWire/ Monique Harmer.

According to court documents, Mr Davila is alleged to have participated in a criminal group with others including Mr Baccus, Mr Lewis and “an associate in Colombia”.

He is alleged to have used his role as captain of Macarthur FC to “encourage other Macarthur FC players to engage in conduct to obtain disciplinary cards” that “corrupted the betting outcome”, according to the court documents.

Mr Davila is alleged to have organised to manipulate yellow cards against Melbourne Victory on 23 November and against Sydney FC on December 9.

Mr Davila appeared inside Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court on Monday when deputy chief magistrate Theo Tsavdaridis agreed to wind back his bail conditions.

He was previously reporting to police at Maroubra two days a week – on Monday and Friday.

Mr Tsavdaridis agreed to reduce his reporting conditions to one day a week.

His matter was mentioned in court alongside Mr Baccus, who was not present in court.

He was arrested over his alleged role in a suspected spot-fixing scheme. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Kearyn Baccus was not present in court on Monday. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

The players were charged in May after early-morning raids at houses in South Coogee, Parramatta, West Hoxton and Emu Plains.

Police allege Mr Davila brought his two Bulls teammates into the scheme by paying them $10,000 to earn yellow cards.

Police will allege there were “multiple thousands of dollars paid out” as a result of the bets.

Mr Davila and Mr Baccus will return to court in August.

Mr Lewis will face court on June 27.

Originally published as A-League star Ulises Davila accused of spot fixing, Macarthur Bulls terminates contract