An Australian rules football official has been apprehended by law enforcement officials probing questionable wagering actions connected to the 2022 Brownlow Medal tally. The official is believed to have disclosed information regarding his selections, potentially enabling wagers to be placed on the result of the esteemed accolade.
In the course of the inquiry, Victoria Police carried out search warrants at multiple residences in Melbourne, detaining four individuals, including the official. Authorities also confiscated mobile phones and electronic gadgets, and the four apprehended men are presently aiding police with their investigations.
The Brownlow Medal stands as the most distinguished individual recognition in the Australian Football League (AFL), bestowed upon the player deemed the most outstanding and equitable throughout the regular season. Following each game, the field officials who preside over the match distribute votes on a 3-2-1 scale, which are kept secret until the Brownlow Medal counting event.
Patrick Cripps secured the 2022 medal, garnering 29 votes, surpassing the 2021 recipient, Lachie Neale, by a single vote.
“The AFL was alerted to possible dubious dealings by one of our wagering partner agencies concerning the 2022 Brownlow Medal shortly after the conclusion of the voting process,” stated Andrew Dillon, AFL Executive General Counsel, Football, Legal and Integrity.
“Considering the character of the alleged conduct, we engaged Sports Integrity Australia and Victoria Police to provide assistance in the investigation.”
Its crucial to highlight that neither the Victoria Police Department nor the Australian Football League has uncovered any proof to imply that the Brownlow Medal outcomes were manipulated. The accusations solely pertain to possible disclosures or inappropriate dissemination of the 3-2-1 vote tallies for specific games during the season, not the ultimate victor.
Following each match, the Brownlow ballots are secured and stored safely off-site until they are revealed at the Brownlow Medal ceremony. These sealed votes undergo audits throughout the season conducted by KPMG.
The Victoria Police Department has indicated that it’s alleged an individual possessing knowledge of the votes for these particular matches divulged that information to others. Law enforcement is examining how many games could be implicated and whether any financial gains were obtained through wagering. Currently, there’s no indication to suggest that the actual vote counts were compromised, only that information regarding them was potentially disclosed.