THE mobile phones of A-League players and coaches will be confiscated on match days in a bid to halt a potential repeat of the Southern Stars soccer club’s 2013 match fixing scandal.

The ban has even affected W-League, FFA Cup, Australian NPL final series and national youth league players, coaches and coaching staff after the Football Federation Australia introduced the initiative this season.

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An FFA spokesman yesterday confirmed the ban, which applies to the Hyundai A-League, Westfield W-League, Westfield FFA Cup, Foxtel National Youth League and PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues finals competitions.

“In summary, the policy prevents the use of mobile and communication devices by players, team staff and match officials from the moment they enter a match venue until the completion of the match,” the spokesman said.

“Further, the policy prohibits the use of mobile and communication devices by any person in particular designated accreditation zones.”

Only three people connected to any club — the team manager, media manager and another designated person, usually the club doctor — are allowed to use mobile phones from the time teams enter their playing venues.

Players and coaching staff must hand their mobile phones to a designated club official. Phones are returned to their owners after full time.

The ban extends to social media including Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. It is hoped the embargo will prevent players and coaching staff giving out vital information which can instigate betting plunges just before kick- off.

The FFA initiative has been studied closely by FIFA, according to Professional Footballers Australia — the players’ union — in a bid to shut down match-fixing and spot-betting scams.

“The PFA is supportive of any measures that ensure the integrity of the game is protected,’’ said Adam Vivian, PFA chief executive.

It follows an international match-fixing scam involving Victoria’s Southern Stars in 2013 which sources say netted about $34 million. The ban falls into line with the AFL and Australian cricket’s integrity policies.