šŸŽ¾ A-League's match fixing scandal

It's Friday evening. Here's the sport news you need to know.

Itā€™s Friday.

It was all about the A-Leagueā€™s match-fixing scandal today - this story is still evolving, but weā€™re learning more by the hour about the allegations against four current players. Itā€™s making headlines globally - is it too early to start thinking about the documentary that weā€™ll be watching on a streaming service down the line?

Iā€™ve got 10 seconds

Quote of the day

ā€œSport and movement have the power to positively enrich the lives of a marginalised and disenfranchised group in society, and the findings of this report highlight that the time to realise this potential is now.ā€ - An excerpt from a report funded by VicHealth into the participation of LGBTQI+ people in sport and physical activity.

Stat of the day

25,492
The number of spectators who watched NSW beat Queensland 22-12 at Brisbaneā€™s Suncorp Stadium in the first NRLW State of Origin game for 2024. It was a record for womenā€™s State of Origin.  

Random fact of the day

The world record for the most number of push-ups in one hour is 3,249, set by Australian Daniel Scali in November 2022. He broke a previous record also set by an Australian, Lucas Helmke. Only three of Scaliā€™s push-ups were discounted because of improper form. 

Iā€™ve got 1 minute

Australiaā€™s menā€™s basketball team have announced their squad for the Paris Olympics. The Boomers won the bronze medal at the Tokyo Games in 2021, losing to the U.S. (the eventual gold medallists) in the semi-final.

NBA stars

Several Australians play for teams in the NBA (the U.S. competition), including Patty Mills (Miami Heat), Joe Ingles (Orlando Magic) and Jock Landale (Houston Rockets). All of these NBA players will play in Australiaā€™s national team for the Olympics. Oklahoma City Thunder star Josh Giddey and Dallas Maverick players Dante Exum and Josh Green will also join the squad for the first time.

Some players were also selected from Australiaā€™s national basketball competition, the NBL, such as Will Magnay and Jack McVeigh (both Tasmania JackJumpers), and DJ Vasiljevic (Adelaide 36ers).

The road to Paris

From here, the squad will gather in Melbourne in late June to prepare for two friendly matches against China on the 2nd and 3rd of July. They will then travel to Abu Dhabi for matches against the U.S. and Serbia, before heading to Paris.

Their first game at the Olympics will take place on Saturday, 27 July.

Iā€™ve got 2 minutes

Three A-League players were arrested in Sydney on Friday morning over an alleged corrupt betting scheme.

A-League is the highest level of professional men's soccer in Australia.

The names of the three players have not been published by NSW Police, but they are all ā€œattachedā€ to a club in southwestern Sydney. The only team based in southwestern Sydney is Macarthur FC.

NSW Police allege a senior player in the team was taking instructions from a man believed to be in South America to manipulate the number of yellow cards awarded during games.

In return, the players allegedly received a cut of the profits.

The police investigation began in December last year, with help from the United Kingdom Gambling Commission.

Further details

The games where yellow card manipulation allegedly occurred were in November and December 2023. Police say failed attempts were also made during matches in April and May 2024.

A 33-year-old player was arrested in South Coogee this morning, and is expected to be charged with engaging in corrupt betting conduct, and facilitating similar corrupt conduct.

A 27-year-old in Parramatta and a 32-year-old in West Hoxton were also arrested over allegations of corrupt betting conduct, allegedly coordinated by the South Coogee man.

FA statement

Football Australia said itā€™s aware of the three arrests, and is ā€œfully cooperatingā€ with police and law enforcement authorities. It offered no further comment.

The Professional Footballersā€™ Association ā€“ the union representing Australiaā€™s footballers ā€“ said itā€™s aware of the arrests but hadnā€™t received confirmation on the identity of the players.

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Looking backā€¦

AFL

Who: Gold Coast Suns v Geelong Cats

Result: Gold Coast won 164-100

Whatā€™s next: Itā€™s the third loss in a row for the Cats - and this was the most points the club has had scored against them in a game since 1994. The Suns are now sixth on the ladder.

NBA Finals (Playoffs series)

Who: Minnesota Timberwolves v Denver Nuggets 

Result: Minnesota Timberwolves won 115-70

Whatā€™s next: The series is now all tied up at 3-3, with one game remaining.

Italian Open (Womenā€™s Tennis)

Who: Iga Swiatek v Coco Gauff

Result: Swiatek won in straight sets 6-4, 6-3

Whatā€™s next: Swiatek continued her dominance over Gauff to progress to the Italian Open final, where she will face Aryna Sabalenka.

Looking forwardā€¦

AFL

Who: Sydney Swans v Carlton Blues

Time: 7:40pm AEST tonight

Where to watch: Channel 7, Kayo Sports

To know: Itā€™s a sell-out at the SCG as these two in-form teams face off. Itā€™s a chance for the Swans to secure their place at the top of the ladder, while Carlton will be looking to firm up their spot in the top eight.

NRL

Who: Manly Sea Eagles v Brisbane Broncos

Time: 8:05pm AEST tonight

Where to watch: Channel 9, Kayo Sports 

To know: Itā€™s ā€˜Magic Roundā€™ in the NRL - a round where all games are played at one venue in Brisbane. These two teams are evenly matched, both placed in the middle of the NRL ladder.

Super Netball

Who: Melbourne Vixens v Sunshine Coast Lightning

Time: 5:00pm AEST tomorrow

Where to watch: Kayo Sports

To know: The Vixens are undefeated this season, and will be looking to continue their incredible run at home against the Lightning. 

Womenā€™s Super League (English Womenā€™s Football)

Who: Manchester United v Chelsea

Time: 12:00 am AEST, Sunday (Saturday night)

Where to watch: Optus Sport

To know: The winner of the WSL is the team that ends the season at the top of the ladder (there are no finals). In this year's competition, only Chelsea or Manchester City are still in contention to finish the season on top. Both teams have one more game to play, so it'll come down to the wire.

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