Football Federation Australia (FFA) today announced that three registered participants in Western Australia have been sanctioned under the National Code of Conduct after wagering on a PS4 National Premier Leagues match in WA.

Two players and a coach were found to have placed bets on a match last year. The bets were placed on a match that did not involve the clubs of the players or coach.

One player also placed bets on other football matches including the Hyundai A-League in breach of the National Code of Conduct.

The sanction imposed was a suspended fine for each individual.

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

“Players, coaches, referees and club officials are not allowed to bet on football matches anywhere under FIFA’s statutes, which are reflected in the National Code of Conduct,” said Gallop.

“There are particular sensitivities in the case where participants are betting on a match in their own competition.

“In this case, we have suspended the fines and protected the identity of those involved because they demonstrated a genuine lack of understanding of the ban on betting. The football community should take note of this case.”

Football West CEO Peter Hugg said the state organisation supported FFA’s efforts to raise awareness of the issue by publicising this case.

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

“We have more than 40,000 players and many thousands of coaches, referees and officials and this is a timely reminder for everyone.

“Football West endorses the sanctions of suspended fines and will work with NPL clubs to make sure everyone is aware of their responsibilities.”

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