A-League Match-Fixing Scandal: Four Players Handed Long Bans
Four A-League players receive multi-year bans for match-fixing, involving community service, highlighting Australia’s strict high‑level sanctions against football corruption.
Four players from Australia’s A-League have received multi-year suspensions after involvement in match-fixing schemes. The penalties reflect a tough stance by football authorities against corruption. The case centers on payments linked to intentional bookings during a late-2023 fixture, and the players have accepted the sanctions without appealing.
What happened
In December 2023, players were offered payments to influence bookings during a match between Macarthur FC and Sydney FC in Australia, a scheme that led to disciplinary action by the governing bodies.
Sanctions in detail
- Kearyn Baccus and Clayton Lewis were each paid about £4,940 to ensure a booking in the December 2023 game. They were given a five-year ban, with a two-year conditional release period and the option to complete 200 hours of unpaid football-related community service to reduce the ban by 12 months.
- Riku Danzaki and Yuta Hirayama received seven-year bans from June 2025. Danzaki admitted to deliberately earning yellow cards across several A-League matches in April and May, while he had received about £7,900 from bets placed by Hirayama, an amateur player.
All four players chose not to appeal the penalties.
Expert commentary
Expert opinion: Dr. Mia Collins, a sports ethics researcher, says the sanctions send a clear message that corruption in football will face serious consequences. She adds that ongoing education and vigilant monitoring are essential to protect the league’s integrity.
Summary
The case involved long suspensions, financial penalties, and community service aimed at deterring future match-fixing. The authorities stressed that cooperation and admission of wrongdoing can influence, but not override, the severity of sanctions. The actions underscore a firm commitment to uphold fairness in the sport.
Key takeaway: The case demonstrates football authorities' commitment to deterring match-fixing through long bans and education. BBC Sport
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