A shocking revelation has emerged in the world of Australian football, as a notorious match-fixer, Zia Younan, has been discovered playing for clubs in Melbourne's suburbs, despite a lifetime ban imposed by FIFA. This story is a real eye-opener and raises serious questions about the integrity of the sport.
The Corrupt Coach's Comeback
Younan, who narrowly escaped jail time for his involvement in a multi-million-dollar match-fixing syndicate, has returned to the football pitch, seemingly unbothered by the global ban. An ABC investigation has uncovered that he has been playing for multiple clubs in Melbourne's suburbs, ignoring the restrictions imposed by Football Australia and FIFA.
The ban, issued in 2015 and extended worldwide in 2016, clearly states that Younan is prohibited from any football-related activity, including playing, officiating, or even attending official matches. Yet, he has managed to slip through the cracks and continue his involvement in the sport.
The Investigation and Football Australia's Response
Football Australia has confirmed that they are investigating this matter, but they have remained tight-lipped about whether the ban has been lifted or altered. This lack of transparency has left many questioning the effectiveness of their disciplinary actions.
Younan's journey into match-fixing began when he was the head coach of the Southern Stars Football Club. He was arrested after detectives received a tip-off about suspicious wagering on matches. The Melbourne Magistrates' Court later revealed that Younan, along with English players Joe Woolley and Reiss Noel, had fixed matches on behalf of a Singaporean syndicate, wagering tens of thousands of dollars.
Younan's role was crucial; he ensured that the international players working with the syndicate were on the field, allowing for the manipulation of matches. His defense lawyer argued that Younan was a minor player in a larger operation and saw match-fixing as a way to keep the financially struggling club afloat.
Ultimately, Younan pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a suspended four-month prison term, along with a $3,000 fine. The English footballers, Woolley and Noel, also pleaded guilty and were fined, providing evidence against other syndicate members.
The Southern Stars Football Club faced consequences too, being fined $10,000 and docked eight competition points by Football Federation Victoria. The club's results were declared invalid, leaving many wondering if any penalties will be issued against Younan's recent clubs.
A former senior football official expressed shock at Younan's ability to continue playing, calling it "astounding." They emphasized that this match-fixing scandal was the biggest integrity issue in Australian soccer in 25 years, with nothing else coming close to its gravity and scale.
Leagues in the Dark
Records show that Younan has played in at least 32 matches since 2021, with at least eight of those matches played this year, subject to the ban as they were in leagues overseen by Football Victoria. The other matches were played in an independent league where the ban did not apply.
When contacted, two clubs and the administrator of the independent league stated that they would not have allowed Younan to play had they known about his ban. This situation has raised concerns about the effectiveness of Football Australia's bans, with the former official claiming that the body has "washed their hands of it."
Younan, when reached for comment, disputed the ban, stating that the ABC's sources were incorrect. Football Australia, the sport's peak body, has not provided clear answers regarding their knowledge of Younan's playing status, potential further penalties, or the enforceability of their bans.
Football Victoria declined to comment, including on whether Younan was a registered player, a requirement for participation in their competitions. Younan is also not listed on Football Victoria's Carry Over Suspension Register, where other life bans are recorded.
Records indicate that Younan played eight games for Hume Bulls FC in Melbourne's northern suburbs, in competitions regulated by Football Victoria. Sargon Ochana, the president of Hume Bulls FC, confirmed Younan's involvement in their masters team.
Mr. Ochana revealed that Football Victoria contacted him about three months ago, informing him that Younan had a lifetime ban. He expressed confusion, asking how Younan could have registered with Football Victoria if he was banned for life. The official promised to check with Football Australia and call back, but Mr. Ochana never heard from them again.
Younan also played for Dandenong City SC about two dozen times in the Bayside Football Association (BFA), a league not regulated by Football Victoria and thus not subject to the bans. The BFA's discipline guide does not require players to disclose a lifetime ban from another league, so Younan was not obligated to reveal his status.
Mato Andrijasevic, secretary of Dandenong City SC, stated that their club only became aware of Younan's ban after the ABC's inquiries. He emphasized that had Younan disclosed his ban, the club would not have permitted him to play. The BFA's president, Andrew Ellis, also confirmed that they were unaware of Younan's lifetime ban until contacted by the ABC.
Players in the independent association are not registered with Football Victoria, but Mr. Ellis stated that they still adhere to Football Victoria and Football Australia bans. When asked if they would have allowed Younan to play had they known, Mr. Ellis replied, "No, we wouldn't. Lifetime bans aren't given for unnecessary reasons."
The former football official pointed to a "failure" in Football Australia's systems, stating that someone banned for life should be flagged by the system. Sporting integrity expert Björn Hessert agreed, urging Football Australia to enforce the life ban and investigate the matter further.
Dr. Hessert, who worked as a lawyer for the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the highest sporting tribunal in the world, and is now an attorney-at-law at EPARTNERS, said, "I've never heard that any player or official returned to the sport when a sanction was imposed on him or her. We should ensure that someone who violated disciplinary regulations or sporting regulations severely should not return to a sport."
Dr. Hessert suggested that Younan's name should be published on a public register by Football Australia, stating, "I think it would be fair to publish his name on such a list."
This story raises important questions about the integrity of football in Australia and the effectiveness of disciplinary actions. It is a reminder that the sport must remain vigilant against match-fixing and ensure that those who violate the rules face the consequences.
