Ulises Davila: Footy star has a win in court after being accused of paying teammates to spot-fix matches on behalf of South American crime figure
- Ulises Davila appeared in court in Sydney for the first time after his arrest
- The Mexican-born Star plays for Macarthur FC in the A-League
- One of the club’s three players accused the case
Macarthur FC captain Ulises Davila has made his first court appearance in Sydney after being arrested over his alleged role in an A-League spot-fixing scandal, with a magistrate agreeing to reduce his reporting conditions.
Davila, 33, was among a trio of Bulls players arrested last month for alleged gambling corruption linked to a South American criminal.
The Mexican star was arrested along with teammates Clayton Lewis and Kearyn Baccus following an investigation led by the NSW Police Organized Crime Squad into allegations they organized to manipulate yellow cards during matches.
Police allege Mr Davila took instructions from a South American man to avoid yellow cards during matches in exchange for money.
Macarthur FC A-League star Ulises Davila (pictured) faces court for the first time since being arrested last month on match-fixing charges
Davila (pictured outside a Sydney court on Monday) is accused of paying his teammates up to $10,000 to ensure they were given yellow cards during matches
The 33-year-old is accused of paying Baccus, 32, and Lewis, 27, up to $10,000 to intentionally receive yellow cards.
Appearing in Sydney’s Downing Center Local Court on Monday, Davila had some good news when Deputy Chief Magistrate Theo Tsavdaridis agreed to reverse his bail conditions.
He previously reported to the police in Maroubra two days a week, on Mondays and Fridays.
Mr Tsavdaridis agreed to reduce his reporting conditions to one day a week.
His case was brought up at the hearing along with Mr Baccus, who was not present in court.
Davila’s teammate Clayton Lewis (pictured left) has also been charged over the alleged match-fixing operation
Macarthur FC star Kearyn Baccus (right) is pictured outside a Sydney court after being accused of involvement in the alleged scheme
The players were charged in May following early morning raids on homes in South Coogee, Parramatta, West Hoxton and Emu Plains.
Police allege Davila roped his two Bulls teammates into the scheme by paying them $10,000 to earn yellow cards.
Police will allege that ‘several thousands of dollars were paid out’ as a result of the bets.
Mr Davila and Mr Baccus will appear in court again in August.
Lewis will appear in court on June 27.