Former Kaizer Chiefs star Kearyn Baccus has pleaded guilty to betting charges and is now set to be sentenced in September 2025.
Ex-Amakhosi playmaker Kearyn Baccus has pleaded guilty to criminal charges relating to alleged spot-fixing.
Baccus and two teammates, Ulises Davila and Clayton Lewis, were arrested in May 2024 following an investigation into their alleged involvement in a betting syndicate linked to South American organised crime figures, according to South West Voice.
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The Durban-born Australian was allegedly paid A$10,000 (approximately R116 000) to intentionally receive yellow cards in at least two Australian top-flight matches in 2023.
Last week, an Australian court heard Baccus’ guilty plea, with sentencing expected to take place in September this year, according to the news website South West Voice.
Reacting to the guilty pleas of Baccus and his co-accused, his former club Macarthur Bulls FC issued a firm statement on the matter.
It said: “The club acknowledges the guilty pleas entered by former players Kearyn Baccus and Clayton Lewis in relation to criminal charges.
“The club reiterates that it had no role in any wrongdoing and has maintained its commitment to due process and confidentiality throughout the duration of the legal proceedings. As such, the club has been unable to comment publicly until now.
“At the time the allegations surfaced, Macarthur Bulls FC acted decisively to terminate the contracts of Clayton Lewis and Ulises Davila in accordance with the A-League Code of Conduct.
“Kearyn Baccus’s contract ended in June 2024.
“Today’s developments confirm the club’s actions were both appropriate and justified.
“The club incurred substantial legal expenses in defending its rightful decision to dismiss Clayton Lewis and also suffered material losses in sponsorship revenue due to the uncertainty and inability to publicly respond.
“Macarthur Bulls FC has a zero-tolerance policy for illegal activity within its playing group, coaching staff, or wider workforce.
"We expect all players and personnel to uphold the values of honesty, accountability, and professionalism.”
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By Lukhanyo Mtuta
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