Summary:
An Australian Football League umpire has been arrested by Victoria Police in relation to suspicious betting activity linked to the awarding of this season’s Brownlow Medal. The umpire is one of four people that have been arrested by Victoria Police in relation to suspicious betting activity linked to the awarding of this season’s Brownlow Medal.
An umpire is one of four people that have been arrested by Victoria police in relation to suspicious betting activity linked to the awarding of this season’s Brownlow medal.
The best and fairest player in the Australian Football League is awarded the medal. The winner is decided by a vote of the umpires at the end of the game in the official league game.
The Victoria police were made aware of suspicious betting activity based on the leaking of umpire votes following specific matches. There is no suggestion that the awarding of votes was influenced in any way.
The general counsel of the EGM said that the investigation was ongoing.
The AFL Integrity unit was made aware of potential suspicious activity by one of our betting agency partners after the Brownlow Medal count. Sports Integrity Australia and Victoria Police were engaged to assist with the matter, given the nature of the alleged activity. The outcome of the Brownlow Medal was not impacted by the leaking or improper communication of the 3,2,1 voting outcomes of some specific matches during the season, as the allegations relate only to the leaking or improper communication of the 3,2,1 voting outcomes of some specific matches during the season After the game, the Brownlow votes are locked up in a secure location and not opened until they are delivered on Brownlow night. Throughout the season, the sealed vote cards are audited.
A statement was made by the Victoria Police.
A person with knowledge of the voting tally of these matches is said to have given it to a group of people known to them. How many matches may have had votes released and how much money was awarded from the bets are being investigated by police. Police have no information to suggest that the outcome of the votes was impacted as the allegations relate only to the distribution of information.
The Brownlow Medal was awarded to Carlton captain Patrick Cripps in September.