Macarthur Bulls captain and former Chelsea signing Ulises Dávila one of three A-League players arrested over betting corruption allegations
Three A-League footballers arrested on Friday One player confirmed as Macarthur Bulls skipper Ulises Davila Follows investigation into alleged betting corruption
Three A-League stars from the Macarthur Bulls – including skipper Ulises Davila - were arrested on Friday morning, following an investigation by the Organised Crime Squad into alleged betting corruption under Strike Force Beaconview.
Investigations revealed Davila, 33, was allegedly taking instructions from a man – believed to be offshore in South America – to organise for yellow cards to occur during certain games in exchange for profit.
Police will allege Davila successfully controlled the number of cautions – which are given to players by a referee for foul play – during a match against Melbourne Victory on November 24, and a match against Sydney FC on December 9.
Teammates Clayton Lewis and Kearyn Baccus, the brother of Socceroos star Keanu, were the other players arrested.
Police also confirmed failed attempts at yellow card manipulation were also made during games on April 20 and May 4.
'We are very shocked,' Macarthur FC chief executive officer Sam Krslovic said.
'Obviously, we need the courts to run their process. We'll comment when appropriate as things develop.'
Macarthur Bulls captain Ulises Dávila has been named as one of the three A-League players arrested over betting corruption allegations
The Mexican born star joined the Bulls in 2021 from A-League rivals Wellington Phoenix
Following extensive inquiries, about 6am on Friday, strike force detectives – with assistance from Central Metropolitan Region Operational Support Group, Odin – executed a search warrant in South Coogee, where they arrested Davila.
He was charged with two counts of corrupting a betting outcome, facilitating corrupt betting conduct, and participating in a criminal group. Davila received conditional bail and will appear in Downing Centre Local Court on June 24.
Teammate Kearyn Baccus, 32, was arrested and taken to Campbelltown Police Station, charged with corrupting a betting outcome and participating in a criminal group. Baccus was granted conditional bail and will appear in Campbelltown Local Court on May 30.
Clayton Lewis was also arrested in western Sydney, charged with corrupting a betting outcome and participating in a criminal group. He was granted conditional bail to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on June 27.
Clayton Lewis of Macarthur FC was one of the three men arrested as part of the investigation
Kearyn Baccus, the brother of Socceroo Keanu Baccus, was also arrested by NSW Police
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.
No charges have been laid at this stage.
Davila joined Macarthur in 2021 from A-League rivals Wellington Phoenix, and is widely regarded as one of the best players in the competition.
The Mexican born attacking midfielder was on the books of Chelsea from 2011 to 2015, but failed to make a senior appearance for the Blues.
After leaving England, Devila became a football nomad, plying his trade in Holland, Spain, Portugal, Mexico and India before making the move to New Zealand in 2019.
Police executed search warrants in South Coogee, Parramatta, West Hoxton and Emu Plains in Sydney's west
The arrests came as the A-League tries to generate interest for its semi-finals with matches to be played this weekend
The APL said 'The work to protect the integrity of our game must be unwavering'
Football Australia released a statement on Friday surrounding the arrests.
'Football Australia has been made aware of the arrests of three A-League Men players this morning, following an investigation by the NSW Police Force Organised Crime Squad into alleged betting corruption under Strike Force Beaconview,' the statement read.
'The arrested players are expected to face court this afternoon.
'The allegations pertain to yellow card manipulation by players associated with a south-western Sydney football club, with incidents reportedly occurring during games played on 24 November 2023, 9 December 2023, 20 April 2024, and 4 May 2024.
'Football Australia is fully cooperating with the Organised Crime Squad, Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, Sport Integrity Australia and the NSW Crime Commission in this matter.
'Football Australia will provide no further comments at this stage as the investigation is ongoing.'
The Australian Professional Leagues (APL) then released their own statement on the matter.
'The APL is aware of the arrests of three A-League players by NSW Police as a result of international law enforcement coordination focussed on betting corruption related to alleged yellow card manipulation in games.
'The work to protect the integrity of our game must be unwavering and we are liaising closely with all relevant agencies on this matter. Given the ongoing nature of the investigation and Police enquiries we are unable to comment further at this time.'