A-League rocked by betting scandal as Western United and state player charged over yellow card manipulation

Victoria Police have charged two soccer players, including one A-League player, for allegedly manipulating yellow cards.

A Western United player is among two footballers charged over the alleged manipulation of yellow cards for betting purposes during several games this season.

On Sunday, Victoria Police charged two Melbourne men, aged 24 and 27, for numerous offences including the use of corrupt conduct for gambling purposes in four A-League matches during April and May.

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While the individuals are yet to be named, it is understood one of the men charged is a current player at Western United, while the other is a player in the state league.

And on Sunday, the Australian Professional Leagues – the body in charge of the A-League competitions, confirmed a player had been charged.

“The Australian Professional League is aware that one A-League player has been charged by Victorian Police with offences related to gambling,” a spokesperson said.

“The integrity of our sport is something that has to be protected without compromise, and we are engaging with all relevant authorities to assist with this matter.”

Both men were placed under no-fault interim suspensions by Football Australia following the charges.

“The club is aware that one Western United men’s player has been charged about an alleged breach of sports betting guidelines,” the club said in a statement.

A Western United player is among two footballers charged over the alleged manipulation yellow cards for betting purposes . (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)

“We take this matter seriously, condemn any actions that compromise the integrity of the game, and are co-operating fully with all relevant authorities. Given the nature of the investigation, we are unable to comment any further on the matter.”

Police executed warrants on Friday morning after an investigation involving Football Australia and the Sporting Integrity Intelligence Unit.

The man from West Melbourne was charged with 10 offences including four counts of engaging in conduct that corrupts or would corrupt a betting outcome, four counts of facilitating conduct that corrupts or would corrupt a betting outcome, use of information derived from corrupt conduct for betting purposes, and attempting to commit an indictable offence.

The man from Kingsville was charged with 16 offences, including 11 counts of using information for betting purposes, four counts facilitating conduct that corrupts or would corrupt a betting outcome, and attempting to commit an indictable offence.

They were bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on July 31.

Originally published as A-League rocked by betting scandal as Western United and state player charged over yellow card manipulation