Two Players Admit to Match-Fixing in Australian Football Scandal

Two professional footballers have pleaded guilty to match-fixing in a shocking scandal involving the manipulation of yellow cards in the Australian A-League.

Ulises Davila, the former captain of Macarthur Bulls, and midfielders Kearyn Baccus and Clayton Lewis were charged in May 2024 with manipulating yellow cards during games in 2023 and 2024. The scandal involved a criminal group based in Colombia, and the players allegedly received payments for deliberately earning yellow cards, which could influence the outcome of bets.

Davila, 33, was accused of acting as the contact between the club’s players and the criminal group, organizing the yellow card incidents during specific games. Baccus, 33, and Lewis, 27, were allegedly paid up to A$10,000 (NZ$10,899) by Davila to try to receive the referee-issued cautions for foul play.

The midfielders pleaded guilty in a Sydney court on Thursday to engaging in conduct that corrupts the betting outcome of an event. A second charge of participating in a criminal group was withdrawn. Lewis had previously pleaded not guilty to both charges, but reversed his plea to one of the charges after negotiating with prosecutors. The pair will face sentencing in September.

Davila has not yet entered pleas to the nine charges he faces. He will return to court next month. Police said the betting scheme led to hundreds of thousands of dollars being paid out in winnings. All players were stood down by the league, and Davila’s contract with Macarthur FC was terminated shortly after his arrest. Baccus was released by the Bulls during the 2024 offseason, and Lewis remains suspended.

Impact on the League

The scandal has sent shockwaves through the Australian football community, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the sport. Match-fixing is a major issue in football worldwide, and this case highlights the dangers of criminal involvement in sports betting.

League officials have been quick to condemn the actions of the players, emphasizing their commitment to upholding the rules and values of the sport. It remains to be seen how this scandal will affect the reputation of the A-League and its future integrity.

Looking Ahead

As the case moves forward, the focus will be on the sentencing of the guilty players and the potential consequences for the league. The involvement of a criminal group from Colombia adds a new dimension to the case, suggesting a more organized and deliberate scheme than previously anticipated.

The football community is watching closely, hoping for a clear and decisive outcome that will restore confidence in the sport. The scandal serves as a stark reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in professional sports.