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Melbourne soccer player spared jail time over illegal betting

10 News First · Just In
10 News First
10 News First
Just In

A former A-League player who admitted to pocketing thousands of dollars from illegal betting in Melbourne has been spared jail time. The Japanese national and his co-accused now risk being thrown out of the country.

Breakdown
  • Riku Danzaki and Yuta Hirayama convicted for involvement in illegal betting scheme. 11s
  • Both received $5,000 fines and criminal convictions, avoiding jail time. 16s
  • Danzaki deliberately received yellow cards in four matches; Hirayama used insider information to place bets. 32s
  • Court heard both men expressed remorse and provided letters of apology. 42s
  • Convictions may impact Hirayama's visa status; Danzaki plans to return to Japan. 1m 0s
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