Ulises Davila, Macarthur FC’s captain, appeared in court for the first time on claims that he was the local ringleader in an illicit bet-fixing scam.
The 33-year-old has been accused of paying up to $10,000 to two A-League Men’s midfielders, Kearyn Baccus, 32, and Clayton Lewis, 27, to purposely receive yellow cards.
Police said the betting plan, which resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars in profits, was led by a South American link. Davila appeared for the first time in Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court on Monday.
Baccus’ case was also referenced during his absence, following the midfielder’s court appearance in May.
The court heard that prosecutors will provide a brief of evidence to the players’ lawyers by August 22.
The court also changed Davila’s release conditions, ordering him to attend to the Maroubra police station once a week rather than twice. Lewis’s court appearance is scheduled for June 27.
Investigators claim that yellow cards, which are always awarded as warnings by referees for improper play, were manipulated during games played on November 24 and December 9.
Macarthur drew 1-1 with Melbourne Victory on November 24, before defeating Sydney FC 2-0 on December 9.
All three suspected players were booked during the December 9 game versus Sydney.
Police also claim that failed attempts were made to do the same thing during matches on April 20 and May 4.
Football Australia subsequently suspended the trio, issuing no-fault interim suspension notifications under its code of conduct.
The Bulls recently discharged Baccus and another player involved in the betting controversy, Matthew Millar, as part of an off-season clean-out.
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