AFL umpire arrested in Brownlow Medal scandal investigation
- Replies 0
An AFL umpire has been arrested in a scam investigation that allegedly saw betting rings attempt to manipulate awards.
Field umpire Michael Pell has been arrested along with three other men in Melbourne as part of a Victorian Police investigation into a betting scandal surrounding the 2022 Brownlow Medal count.
It is said that suspicious bets were flagged by a betting operator just as the Brownlow medal count was about to end, prompting an investigation that led to the arrest of four men.
AFL General Counsel Andrew Dillon said in a statement: 'In the days following the 2022 Brownlow Medal count, the AFL was made aware of potentially suspicious activity by one of our betting agency partners and the AFL Integrity unit immediately gathered further information.'
A subsequent investigation involving multiple betting agencies reportedly discovered irregularities relating to who would be awarded three Brownlow votes in a series of specific games.
It was also alleged that the group leaked information regarding the Brownlow votes from at least 22 match-ups during the season, with bets reportedly detected during specific matches that did not take place or have yet to take place at the time of the betting.
It should be noted that the AFL does not believe the actual dispersal or counting of these votes was compromised.
AFL General Counsel Andrew Dillon said: 'The allegations relate solely to the leaking or improper communication of the 3, 2, 1 voting outcomes of some specific matches during the season.'
'Post-game, the Brownlow votes are sealed and stored in a secure off-site location and not opened until they are delivered on stage on Brownlow night. The sealed vote cards are audited throughout the season by KPMG.'
Commander Deb Robertson also confirmed that the offences carry up to 10 years imprisonment, saying: 'Victorians are well known for their love of AFL and in particular, the prestigious Brownlow Medal award, but equally they want to know that there is integrity, fairness and honesty behind this award.'
AFL umpire Michael Pell is expected to be charged, alongside the other men arrested, following the investigation.
Pell was in his first full season as an AFL field umpire. He has previously officiated the VFL and AFL Women's grand finals.
Sport Integrity Australia, a federal government agency that works to prevent match-fixing and corruption in sport, assistance police and the AFL in the inquiry.
If you ever come across illegal activity or have any information regarding this investigation, you are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000 or going online www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
What are your thoughts on this? Would you like us to keep you up to date as the investigation progresses?
Field umpire Michael Pell has been arrested along with three other men in Melbourne as part of a Victorian Police investigation into a betting scandal surrounding the 2022 Brownlow Medal count.
It is said that suspicious bets were flagged by a betting operator just as the Brownlow medal count was about to end, prompting an investigation that led to the arrest of four men.
AFL General Counsel Andrew Dillon said in a statement: 'In the days following the 2022 Brownlow Medal count, the AFL was made aware of potentially suspicious activity by one of our betting agency partners and the AFL Integrity unit immediately gathered further information.'
A subsequent investigation involving multiple betting agencies reportedly discovered irregularities relating to who would be awarded three Brownlow votes in a series of specific games.
One field umpire is among the four males detained by Victorian Police in connection with several wagers put on the Brownlow Medal, the AFL has confirmed. Credit: Shutterstock.
It was also alleged that the group leaked information regarding the Brownlow votes from at least 22 match-ups during the season, with bets reportedly detected during specific matches that did not take place or have yet to take place at the time of the betting.
It should be noted that the AFL does not believe the actual dispersal or counting of these votes was compromised.
AFL General Counsel Andrew Dillon said: 'The allegations relate solely to the leaking or improper communication of the 3, 2, 1 voting outcomes of some specific matches during the season.'
'Post-game, the Brownlow votes are sealed and stored in a secure off-site location and not opened until they are delivered on stage on Brownlow night. The sealed vote cards are audited throughout the season by KPMG.'
Commander Deb Robertson also confirmed that the offences carry up to 10 years imprisonment, saying: 'Victorians are well known for their love of AFL and in particular, the prestigious Brownlow Medal award, but equally they want to know that there is integrity, fairness and honesty behind this award.'
AFL umpire Michael Pell is expected to be charged, alongside the other men arrested, following the investigation.
Pell was in his first full season as an AFL field umpire. He has previously officiated the VFL and AFL Women's grand finals.
Sport Integrity Australia, a federal government agency that works to prevent match-fixing and corruption in sport, assistance police and the AFL in the inquiry.
If you ever come across illegal activity or have any information regarding this investigation, you are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000 or going online www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
What are your thoughts on this? Would you like us to keep you up to date as the investigation progresses?
