An Australian Football League referee has become at the center of an alleged insider betting scandal. [Image: Shutterstock.com]
Numbers leak
Police in Victoria have arrested four people, including an AFL referee, for allegedly providing insider information on Brownlow Medal race numbers to a betting ring.
The most prestigious individual award in sports
The Brownlow Medal is the sport’s most prestigious individual award, awarded to the player deemed “best and fairest” in the final season. Three referees after each match will give a vote, to be added up at the end of the season.
Investigators from the Sports Integrity Intelligence Unit made the four arrests on Monday. It appears that investigations are underway to determine the scale of the leaks, as well as the amount of money that was won through the bets.
No evidence of tampering
There is no evidence yet that the outcome of the vote was influential. Each of the four arrested men was released from police custody after being questioned. Four homes were searched in Melbourne; Investigators seized many electronic items and cell phones.
He could face up to ten years in prison
The Specific crimes under investigation These include behavior that could spoil the outcome of an event and the use of corrupt behavior information for betting purposes. People found guilty of these crimes could face up to ten years in prison.
Speaking about the importance of the investigation was Victoria Police’s Secret Intelligence and Support Command Commander, Deb Robertson, who said it was essential for people to know there was “integrity, fairness and honesty” behind the Brownlow Medal.
Full compliance with the AFL
The Libyan Armed Forces Union confirmed that al-Hakam was one of the four men arrested. In a statement, AFL General Counsel and Executive General Manager of Football Andrew Dillon said: “In the days following the 2022 Brownlow medal count, the AFL was made aware of possible suspicious activity by one of our betting agency partners.”
This year’s Brownlow Medal winner was Carlton Blues player Patrick Cripps, who finished one vote ahead of Lachy Neal of the Brisbane Lions. The ceremony took place on September 18th.
Dillon confirmed that the NFL had complied with the investigation and asserted that there was no evidence that the Brownlow Medal result was in question. He explained that the Brownlow votes are fully sealed and stored after the games in a safe place off-site and are not opened until the ceremony. KPMG reviews sealed cards during the season.
