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THE CONTROVERSY HAS ROCKED THE GAME IN AUSTRALIA AND AN EX MOTHERWELL PLAYER AS AT THE HEART OF IT 11:13, 02 Jun 2025 Former Motherwell player Riku Danzaki is at the centre of a betting
scandal. The Japanese star, who is currently at Western United, has been charged as part of a probe into alleged gambling on A-League matches. The attacker has been hit with 10 offences
relating to accusations of betting corruption in Australian top-flight games in April and May. It is claimed he received a red or yellow card in games to manipulate the outcome of online
betting. He is one of two men who have been charged as a result of an investigation by detectives from the Sporting Integrity Intelligence United, who worked in conjunction with Football
Australia. The pair have been bailed and are due to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 31st July. Article continues below Western United confirmed one of its players has been charged.
A club spokesperson said: “The club is aware that one Western United player has 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 the investigation. “Given the ongoing nature of the investigation, we cannot comment any
further.” Football Australia confirmed its involvement. Article continues below “Football Australia takes the integrity of the game very seriously and has worked closely with Victoria Police
and the Australian Professional Leagues throughout this investigation,” the governing body stated. Danzaki had a year at Motherwell but struggled to make an impression in the Premiership
and moved to Western United in 2023. He played just four times in Claret and Amber following his move from Japanese side Sapporo.