A-League match-fixing bans: Four players hit with multi-year suspensions

Four players linked to match-fixing in the A-League have been banned from all football activity for several years.

Two players, Kearyn Baccus and former New Zealand international Clayton Lewis, were paid A$10,000 each to get booked during a December 2023 match between Macarthur FC and Sydney FC.

Football Australia has now imposed five-year bans on both players, effective from May 2024. They agreed to complete 200 hours of unpaid football-related community service to shorten the ban by one year.

In a separate case, Riku Danzaki and Japanese player Yuta Hirayama received seven-year suspensions starting June 2025. Danzaki admitted deliberately earning yellow cards in several A-League games in April and May, after receiving A$16,000 in payments funded by bets arranged by Hirayama, an amateur player.

All four players chose not to appeal the sanctions.

Conclusion

The rulings send a clear message that match-fixing will face strict penalties and aim to safeguard the integrity of Australian football.

Expert comment

Expert comment: A sports integrity analyst said the penalties send a clear warning that match-fixing will not be tolerated in professional football. The measures aim to protect fans and preserve the league’s credibility.

Short summary

Four players involved in match-fixing received significant suspensions in Australia’s top football league. Penalties range from five to seven years, with some requiring community service to shorten the bans. The case underscores ongoing efforts to safeguard fair play in the A-League.

Key insight: Strong penalties for match-fixing in the A-League demonstrate a clear commitment to integrity and deter future offenses. Source: BBC Sport

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