Three Macarthur FC players have already been charged in Australia’s soccer match-fixing scandal, with two more players potentially implicated.
Midfielder Kealin Bakas appeared in court on Thursday on charges related to an illegal gambling scheme in which players received yellow cards in exchange for money during A-League matches.
He was arrested along with team captain Ulisses Davila and teammate Clayton Lewis on May 17. All three were released on bail and served suspensions under Football Federation Australia’s code of conduct regulations.
Documents filed in Campbelltown Local Court on Thursday revealed two other players also faced charges of taking part in the criminal group.
Football Australia issued a statement saying it was aware of the allegations but added that one of the players identified was not a suspect in the incident.
“Football Australia is aware of an investigation into the possible involvement of other Macarthur FC players in gambling allegations,” the statement said. “It is important to note that (the players mentioned) are not being considered suspects and are not currently the subject of any investigation.”
“Football Australia takes these matters seriously and is committed to cooperating fully with the authorities.”
The New South Wales Police Organised Crime Unit launched Strike Force Beaconview in December last year with the help of British authorities after identifying a suspicious pattern of match-fixing.
Police previously said a fourth Macarthur FC player was wanted for questioning but was not in NSW at the time of his arrest.
The Australian Press Agency reported that Bacchus said nothing when asked briefly about his case at Campbelltown Court in Sydney’s southwest and gave no indication of how he would plead.
His case has been adjourned until June 24, when he is due to appear in Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court.
Investigators allege that yellow cards, issued by referees as warnings for fouls and illegal play, were manipulated in matches last November and December.
All three accused players received yellow cards in the match against Sydney FC on December 9th.
Investigators allege similar attempts were made during games on April 20 and May 4 but were unsuccessful.
When the charges were laid, Deputy Police Commissioner Michael Fitzgerald said the players had “betrayed the trust and integrity of our supporters”.
Macarthur FC has been competing in the men’s A-League since the 2020-21 season, which has 11 clubs in Australia and one club in New Zealand.
MacArthur finished the regular season in fifth place.
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AP Soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
