Football Australia has issued no fault interim suspension notices to the three Macarthur FC players who have been charged in connection with alleged betting corruption under NSW Police’s Strike Force Beaconview.
“The suspensions are precautionary measures that suspend the players from participating in any football and club related activities,’’ Football Australia said in a media release issued late last night.
“The No Fault interim suspensions are effective immediately and will remain in place until the criminal charges have been concluded.’’
The suspensions followed a dramatic day that started with the early morning arrests of players (pictured) allegedly involved in yellow card manipulation during A-League games of the 2023-24 season.
Ulises Davila, 33, Clayton Lewis, 27 and Kearyn Baccus, 32, were the three players arrested and charged yesterday.
Davila was charged with two counts of engaging in conduct that corrupts a betting outcome of an event, facilitating conduct that corrupts the betting outcome of an event, and participating in a criminal group.
He was granted conditional bail to appear in Downing Centre Local Court on June 24.
Clayton Lewis was charged with engaging in conduct that corrupts the betting outcome of an event, and participating in a criminal group.
He was also granted conditional bail to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on June 27.
Kearyn Baccus was charged with engaging in conduct that corrupts a betting outcome of an event and participating in a criminal group.
He was granted conditional bail to appear in Campbelltown Local Court on May 30.
Macarthur FC posted their reaction on social media yesterday:
“For obvious reasons and given the ongoing police investigation the club is not in position to add anything other than;
“The club is shocked and aware of the arrests of three A-League players by NSW Police as a result of international law enforcement coordination focused on betting corruption related to alleged yellow card manipulation in games.
“Integrity of our game is a foundation pillar, and we will work closely with all relevant agencies on this matter.
“The club will make further comment if and when is required.’’
Organised Crime Squad detectives are working with the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, Sports Integrity Australia, Football Australia, Australian Professional Leagues, and the NSW Crime Commission as inquiries continue.
