Former New Zealand international soccer player Clayton Lewis arrives at the Sydney court. Photo: AAP / Photosport
Four players have been banned from all football-related activity for several years by Football Australia following their involvement in a betting scandal which included deliberately receiving yellow cards in A-League matches.
Former Macarthur Bulls players - Clayton Lewis, an ex-New Zealand international, and Kearyn Baccus had avoided convictions in September - but were ordered to pay fines for their part in the scandal.
They had pleaded guilty to engaging in conduct that corrupts the betting outcome of an event.
Both players admitted to receiving payments of $10,000 ($NZD11,500) each from club captain Ulises Davila to ensure yellow cards were issued in multiple A-League G matches in late-2023.
Both players were banned for five years each commencing on 17 May 2024.
They were also offered 200 hours of unpaid football-related community service to reduce their bans by 12 months, which they accepted.
Meanwhile, Riku Danzaki and his Japanese compatriot Yuta Hirayama were banned for seven years commencing on 1 June 2025.
Former Western United midfielder Danzaki had been fined by a Melbourne court in August after being convicted of fraud by deliberately earning yellow cards in A-League games.
Danzaki and Hirayama, an amateur player who was also convicted and fined, pleaded guilty to seven corruption charges at Melbourne Magistrates Court. Hirayama placed bets that Danzaki would receive yellow cards in four A-League games.
Football Australia added that all four players decided not to exercise their right to appeal and accepted the sanctions imposed.
- Reuters