Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Kearyn Baccus has reportedly been involved in match-fixing scandal in Australia and had to appear in court on Thursday.
According to Associated Press, Baccus is facing charges relating to an illegal betting plot to receive yellow cards during A-League matches in return for payment.
Reports state that the 32-year-old was arrested on May 17 along with team captain Ulises Davila and teammate Clayton Lewis. The trio, though, were granted bail and were suspended by Football Australia under its code of conduct regulations.
It is alleged that Baccus’ Macarthur teammate Davila was paying him and Lewis to deliberately receive yellow cards, which resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars being paid out in winnings.
Football Australia issued a statement about the matter and acknowledged that they are aware of the situation.
“Football Australia acknowledges the enquiries regarding the potential involvement of other Macarthur FC players in the betting allegations,” the statement read, as per AP.
“It is important to note that [the player mentioned] is not regarded as a suspect and is currently not under investigation.
“Football Australia takes these matters seriously and is committed to cooperating fully with the authorities.”
Baccus’s case was adjourned to June 24, when he is due to appear at Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court.
Baccus left Chiefs in July 2022, and has since made 54 appearances for Macarthur FC, winning the Australian Cup in his first campaign.
