Investigation Expands To International Betting Agencies

The allegations claim that former captain Ulises Davila acted as a link between Macarthur FC players and a criminal organization in Colombia.

Australia’s A-League corruption scandal has intensified, with international betting agencies now involved in the investigation into former Macarthur FC players.

Ex-captain Ulises Davila, along with midfielders Kearyn Baccus and Clayton Lewis, are facing charges related to an alleged match-fixing scheme involving yellow cards.

During proceedings at Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court, prosecutors revealed they are seeking statements from multiple international betting agencies, including BetPlay Colombia, bet365 New Jersey, and bet365 Bulgaria.

These documents are anticipated to play a critical role in the evidence against the accused players.

It is alleged that Davila, a former Chelsea academy player, served as an intermediary between Macarthur FC players and a criminal group in Colombia.

He is accused of paying Baccus and Lewis up to $10,000 to intentionally receive yellow cards as part of the illegal betting scheme.

The operation reportedly generated hundreds of thousands of dollars in betting profits. Investigators allege that yellow cards were deliberately manipulated in specific matches, including a 1-1 draw with Melbourne Victory on November 24 and a 2-0 victory over Sydney FC on December 9, where all three charged players were booked.

The scandal has had significant consequences for the players involved. Macarthur FC terminated Davila’s contract in June, while Baccus was released during the club’s 2024 offseason.

The legal proceedings are ongoing, with the next court dates scheduled for September and October.