Pair Convicted In Soccer Betting Fraud Case

Former A-League midfielder Riku Danzaki and his friend Yuta Hirayama have been convicted and fined $5,000 each for yellow card betting fraud.

The Melbourne Magistrates Court heard the one-month scheme saw Hirayama place bets on Danzaki deliberately receiving yellow cards during A-League matches. The pair pleaded for no conviction but Magistrate Nick Goodenough said deterrence was critical, ruling that their actions “strike at the heart of competitive sport.”

“Supporters, teammates and coaching staff are entitled to know that all members of the team are working towards one objective,” Mr Goodenough said. “What you have both done is a betrayal of that ideal and that trust.”

The men pleaded guilty to seven betting corruption charges and one attempted fraud. Fraudulent bets were made through agencies including Bet365 and Tabcorp, with Danzaki pocketing about $16,000 after reckless tackles led to deliberate bookings.

Successful bets were placed on matches on April 27, May 3 and May 9, with a failed attempt on a Melbourne City game. The winnings were to be split, with Danzaki receiving 70 per cent.

“Although your roles are different, I’m of the view that you are equally liable for the totality of the offending,” Mr Goodenough said. “This type of offending undermines the integrity of sport, and it undermines the legal betting markets.”

Both men had moved from Japan to further their soccer careers, initially meeting in Queensland before relocating to Melbourne. Danzaki signed with an A-League club in 2023, while Hirayama played for Bayside Argonauts before being suspended.

Defence lawyers pointed to club financial struggles, with claims players were not paid on time before the licence was revoked. They argued the pair cooperated with police, pleaded guilty early and had no prior convictions.

Despite this, both men were formally convicted in court.