Football Australia is under scrutiny as the Victorian gambling regulator initiates a review of the governing body’s integrity measures and the scope of betting on soccer games. This investigation follows the emergence of the second match-fixing scandal in the A-League within a year.
The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission will conduct a “suitability review” of Football Australia, focusing on its integrity measures and the betting markets available for soccer games in Australia. This move comes after a 25-year-old Western United player, Riku Danzaki, was charged with match-fixing offenses related to intentionally receiving yellow cards during A-League matches.
Football Australia has expressed its willingness to enhance its vigilance against integrity threats in response to the ongoing investigation. The governing body acknowledges the importance of maintaining integrity in the sport and working collaboratively with regulators to address such challenges.
Under Victoria’s gambling laws, Football Australia is designated as a “sports controlling body,” granting it the authority to oversee the integrity of soccer and regulate the range of betting options offered by gambling companies. This includes the ability to earn a share of the revenue generated from bets on soccer games, including specific aspects like the number of yellow cards in a match.
Notably, Football Australia’s gambling regulations have allowed bookmakers to offer bets on various levels of soccer competitions, ranging from international games to local amateur matches. In comparison, other major sports bodies like the AFL and NRL restrict betting to top-tier professional leagues.
Experts like Melbourne University’s sports law specialist, Jack Anderson, anticipate that the review will likely scrutinize the gambling options permitted by Football Australia across both professional and amateur soccer levels. Concerns have been raised about the potential risks associated with certain betting markets, particularly in light of recent match-fixing incidents involving yellow cards.
Instances of alleged match-fixing related to yellow cards have become a growing concern globally, with individual players having the ability to influence such specific aspects of play. The discreet nature of yellow card incidents makes them susceptible to manipulation, prompting regulatory bodies to reevaluate the integrity of betting markets in soccer.
One high-profile case involved Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paqueta, who faces severe consequences after being charged with intentionally receiving yellow cards as part of a spot-fixing operation. These incidents underscore the challenges faced by soccer authorities in combating match-fixing and preserving the sport’s integrity.
As Football Australia navigates this integrity probe and strives to reinforce its commitment to fair play, the broader sports community must remain vigilant in safeguarding the integrity of competitions against evolving threats posed by match-fixing and illicit gambling activities.
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