Police reveal how they exposed alleged ‘match-fixing’ during A-League matches that knocked out Macarthur FC captain Ulises Dávila

He was once a rising star signed by Chelsea, but police will now claim Macarthur FC captain Ulises Dávila is one of three players involved in an alleged code-breaking A-League betting scandal .

The Mexican – whose wife Lily died suddenly almost two years ago – was questioned at Mascot police station in Sydney on Friday and charged with two counts of corrupt conduct and two counts of facilitation of corrupt conduct on betting results.

Police have confirmed their investigation allegedly revealed one player – Macarthur FC captain Ulises Dávila – passing $10,000 to two other players for deliberately receiving yellow cards.

It will be alleged that a South American organized crime figure nicknamed “The Instructor” was involved in this scheme.

Police will allege Macarthur FC captain Ulises Dávila is one of three players involved in an alleged code-breaking A-League betting scandal.

The Bulls skipper is a single father, raising Ulises Jnr following the tragic death of his wife Lily in 2022

The other two Bulls players – Kearyn Baccus, 32 – the older brother of Socceroos star Keanu – were arrested in West Hoxton, while Clayton Lewis, 27, was in custody in Parramatta.

Both men were charged, with Macarthur FC also the same club that Manchester United legend Dwight Yorke once coached – before resigning in early 2023 and declaring they were a ‘pub team “.

Police also confirmed they will question a fourth player – who is currently out of NSW – once he can be located.

He should also be charged.

Three Macarthur FC A-League players have been arrested while a fourth is expected to be questioned when police can locate him.

The investigation revealed that a senior player – Davila – allegedly followed the South American’s instructions to arrange for yellow cards to be issued in certain matches in exchange for profits.

The number of yellow cards was allegedly manipulated in matches played on November 24, 2023 – when Macarthur drew 1-1 against Melbourne Victory – and December 9 last year, where the Bulls beat Sydney FC 2 -0.

Failed attempts were then reportedly made to control the number of yellow cards in matches on April 20 and May 4 this year.

Kiwi international Clayton Lewis (pictured right) has also been charged over his alleged role in the scandal.

Kearyn Baccus – the older brother of Socceroos star Keanu Baccus – was also arrested, with police confirming they will charge a fourth player once he is located.

The multi-agency team that uncovered the bets included the UK Gambling Commission.

NSW Organized Crime Squad Detective Superintendent Peter Faux confirmed eyebrows were raised after large sums of money were bet overseas on A-League matches currently under the microscope.

He also said it was disappointing that the trio of players “betrayed the trust of their supporters”.

Assistant Commissioner Michael Fitzgerald added that the three arrests should send a clear warning that bad decisions can “destroy sporting careers and reputations for life”.

Davila was granted bail to appear in Downing Center Local Court on June 24, while Baccus was also granted conditional bail to appear in Campbelltown Local Court on May 30.

Lewis was granted bail to appear at Downing Center Local Court on June 27.

Macarthur FC chief executive Sam Krslovic said he was “shocked” by the explosive development.

“Obviously we need the courts to manage their process,” he said. “We will comment as appropriate as things develop.”

A-League matches under surveillance

The A-League playoff final between Macarthur and Sydney FC on May 4, 2024 is among the matches being investigated by police.

November 24, 2023

Macarthur 1 Melbourne Victory 1 – 5 yellow cards

Ulises Dávila (Macarthur) 43rd minute

December 9, 2023

Macarthur 2 Sydney FC 0 – 5 yellow cards

Ulises Davila (Macarthur) 31st minute, Clayton Lewis (Macarthur) 53rd minute, Kearyn Baccus (Macarthur) 72nd minute

April 20, 2024

Macarthur 1 Sydney FC 0 – 3 yellow cards

Kearyn Baccus (Macarthur) 41st minute

May 4, 2024

Sydney FC 4 Macarthur 0 – 2 yellow cards