Football Australia has suspended the pair charged by police Photo: Photosport
An A-League football player in Australia among two men charged by police following an investigation into alleged cheating on bets involving the game.
Victorian Police allege four matches in April and May were the subject of what they have described as "player to be carded wagering manipulation".
Detectives from the Sporting Integrity Intelligence Unit executed warrants in Richmond, West Melbourne and Kingsville early on Friday morning.
Two men in their 20s have been charged with engaging in conduct that corrupts or would corrupt a betting outcome, and using corrupt conduct information for betting.
The pair have been released on bail to appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 31 July.
A statement from club Western United, which is based in the Melbourne suburb of Tarneit, acknowledged one of its men's players had been charged "in relation to an alleged breach of sports betting guidelines".
"We take this matter seriously, condemn any actions that compromise the integrity of the game, and are cooperating fully with all relevant authorities," the statement read.
Governing body imposes 'no fault' suspensions
A Victoria Police spokesperson said the detectives had been working closely with governing body Football Australia as part of the investigation.
A Football Australia spokesperson said the body had imposed "no fault" interim suspensions on the two individuals, to remain in place until further notice.
Under the body's code of conduct and ethics, such suspensions may be issued in circumstances where constituents have been charged with a serious criminal offence or where Football Australia's reputation is at risk of being damaged.
"Football Australia takes the integrity of football extremely seriously, and behaviour that seeks to undermine that has no place in our sport or in society," the spokesperson said.
"Football Australia is cooperating fully with external authorities."
-ABC
