Falling Stars: Australian soccer scandal shines bright

Abstract

Since taking over as chief executive of the Football Federation Australia (FFA), Australian soccer's governing body, David Gallop would have "sold his arse" (to paraphrase Tony Abbott) to have the sport on the front pages of the major Australian daily newspapers. However, it seems that this type of publicity might be the exception rather than the rule of the old adage. As the FFA sweats over the depth of the match-fixing scandal at the newly-promoted Southern Stars FC in the Victorian Premier League (VPL), they can at least bask in the unexpected international limelight. Ten people were arrested and six men, including the club's coach and goalkeeper, have so far been charged with various offences relating to the match-fixing ring. Club officials, meanwhile, have denied any knowledge of the wrongdoing. So, at last, Australian soccer is recognised around the world - not for the quality, but for an unprecedented (at least in Australia) match-fixing scandal.