Football Federation Australia (FFA) has reaffirmed the importance of football participants complying with the rules on betting on football matches.

This follows the finding that a registered participant in New South Wales had breached clause 4.1(a) of the National Code of Conduct by betting on various Hyundai A-League matches in 2014.

The betting by the participant was brought to the attention of FFA by a betting agency under the terms of an integrity agreement.

A $1,000 fine was imposed on the participant.  The fine is wholly suspended, subject to the participant ceasing the conduct.

In April this year, three registered participants in Western Australia were sanctioned after betting on a PS4 National Premier Leagues match in WA.

FFA CEO David Gallop said FFA was making the latest Code of Conduct breach public as a general warning to football participants, who may not be aware of the prohibition on wagering.

“Under FIFA’s statutes, registered players, coaches, referees and club officials are not allowed to bet on football matches anywhere,” said Gallop.

“The FFA National Code of Conduct reflects the FIFA statutes.

“The integrity of football matches at all levels is paramount. Betting on matches is a legal activity, but it must have the safeguards of thorough regulation. FFA is committed to ensuring its regulations are upheld as part of its overall integrity measures.”

Football NSW CEO Eddie Moore said the state Member Federation supported FFA’s efforts to raise awareness of the issue.

“Each and every participant in NSW is subject to the National Code of Conduct and the ban on betting is very clear,” said Moore.

The National Code of Conduct contains the following prohibition;

BETTING, MATCH-FIXING AND CORRUPTION

4.1 A Member must not engage, directly or indirectly, in:

(a) any bet, wager, gamble or any other form of financial speculation where the relevant person stands to win or gain from the win, draw or loss of any Club competing in a Match;

(b) the throwing or fixing of a Match; or

(c) any conduct or behaviour intended to unfairly affect the result of a Match, including accepting or agreeing to accept any Benefit connected with or relating to the ability of a Member to exercise control over or influence the outcome of a Match so as to bring about a result other than that which would be achieved in a fair contest between the competing teams.

The full National Code of Conduct can be viewed at:
www.footballaustralia.com.au/about/statutes-and-regulations