He was once a rising star signed by Chelsea – but now police will allege Macarthur FC captain Ulises Dávila is one of three players part of an alleged A-League betting scandal that has rocked the code.

The Mexican – whose wife Lily died suddenly almost two years ago – was questioned at Mascot police station in Sydney on Friday and charged with two counts of engaging in corrupt conduct and two of facilitating corrupt conduct on betting outcomes.

Police confirmed their investigation allegedly uncovered intel that a player – Macarthur FC captain Ulises Dávila – was passing on $10,000 to two other players for deliberately receiving yellow cards.

It will be alleged a South American organised crime figure dubbed ‘the Instructor’ was involved in the scheme.

The Bulls skipper is a single dad, raising Ulises Jnr after the tragic death of his wife Lily in 2022

The two other Bulls players — Kearyn Baccus, 32 – the older brother of Socceroos star Keanu – was arrested at West Hoxton, while Clayton Lewis, 27, was in custody at Parramatta.

Both men were charged, with Macarthur FC also the same club Manchester United legend Dwight Yorke once coached – before quitting in early 2023 and declaring they were a ‘pub team.’

Police also confirmed they will be interviewing a fourth player – who is currently out of NSW – once he can be located.

He is also expected to be charged. 

Three A-League players from Macarthur FC have been arrested while a fourth is expected to be interviewed when police can locate him

Investigations revealed a senior player – Davila – was allegedly taking instructions from the South American man to organise for yellow cards to occur during certain games in exchange for profit.

The number of yellow cards were allegedly manipulated during games played on November 24, 2023  – when Macarthur drew 1-1 with Melbourne Victory – and December 9 last year, where the Bulls beat Sydney FC 2-0.

Failed attempts were then allegedly made to control the number of yellow cards during games on April 20 and May 4 this year.

Kiwi international Clayton Lewis (pictured right) has also been charged for his alleged role in the scandal

Kearyn Baccus – the older brother of Socceroos star Keanu Baccus – was also arrested, with police confirming they will charge a fourth player once he is located

The multi-agency team that uncovered the bets included the United Kingdom Gambling Commission.

NSW Organised Crime Squad Detective Superintendent Peter Faux confirmed eyebrows were raised after large sums on money were bet overseas on the A-League games currently under the microscope.

He also stated it was disappointing that the trio of players ‘betrayed the trust of their supporters.’

Assistant Commissioner Michael Fitzgerald added the trio of arrests should send a clear warning that poor decisions can ‘destroy sporting careers and reputations for life.’

Davila was granted conditional bail to appear in Downing Centre Local Court on June 24, while Baccus was also granted conditional bail to appear in Campbelltown Local Court on May 30.

Lewis was granted conditional bail to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on June 27.

Macarthur FC chief executive officer Sam Krslovic said he was ‘shocked’ at the bombshell development.

‘Obviously, we need the courts to run their process,’ he said. ‘We will comment when appropriate as things develop.’

A-League matches under scrutiny 

The A-League elimination final between Macarthur and Sydney FC on May 4, 2024 is one of the matches being investigated by police

24 November 2023

Macarthur 1 Melbourne Victory 1 – 5 yellow cards

Ulises Davila (Macarthur) 43rd minute

9 December 2023 

Macarthur 2 Sydney FC 0 – 5 yellow cards

Ulises Davila (Macarthur) 31st minute, Clayton Lewis (Macarthur) 53rd minute, Kearyn Baccus (Macarthur) 72nd minute

20 April 2024 

Macarthur 1 Sydney FC 0 – 3 yellow cards

Kearyn Baccus (Macarthur) 41st minute

4 May 2024 

Sydney FC 4 Macarthur 0 – 2 yellow cards