He is also accused of placing other bets for the same match in May, winning more than $10,000 in total profit.
Referee Alex King shows the yellow card to Riku Danzaki of Western United during the round 28 A-League Men match between Western United and Sydney FC at Ironbark Fields, on April 27, 2025.Credit: Getty Images
On May 8, the Bayside striker is accused of similar conduct, with police alleging he used “corrupt” information that Danzaki would deliberately receive a yellow card during a match between Western United and Adelaide Football Club.
It is alleged he placed several bets with Tabcorp, winning more than $5500.
On May 22, this year, charge sheets show Danzaki is accused of entering into another arrangement, this time allegedly agreeing to deliberately receive a yellow card during a match between Western United and Melbourne City.
Police allege Danzaki attempted to place a $1000 bet with licensed bookmaker Tabcorp that he would earn a yellow card during the match – a bet that if placed would have won him $3250.
Yuta Hirayama leaving Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Monday.Credit: AAPIMAGE
Investigators allege Hirayama also attempted to profit from this match by using information fed to him that Danzaki would again allegedly deliberately get a yellow card.
Hirayama attempted to win more than $3000 from Tabcorp when he placed a $1000 bet.
Manipulating yellow cards occurs when a player sets out to attract a yellow card at a certain point of the game to match with a corresponding bet.
Some gambling companies offer bets on whether a particular player will get a yellow card. Some bets offered by overseas bookmakers narrow this down to a specific time in the game.
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Football Australia placed “no-fault interim suspensions” on the two players after the charges.
In soccer, referees give players yellow cards for misconduct, abuse, simulation [diving], bad tackles that aren’t serious enough to warrant a red card, and repeated fouls. One yellow card means the player stays on the pitch. Two yellow cards mean they are sent off.
In June, the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission announced it would launch a “suitability review” of Football Australia examining the governing body’s integrity measures, as well as the range of betting markets it allows on soccer games in Australia.
Police previously said detectives from the sporting integrity intelligence unit worked closely with Football Australia during its investigation.
Police executed warrants in Richmond, West Melbourne and Kingsville earlier this year before the two men were arrested.
At the time, the Australian Professional Leagues, which runs the A-League, said it wouldn’t compromise on integrity.
Both Danzaki and Hirayama were ordered to reappear at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court next month.
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