Former All White Lewis Sentenced for Betting Corruption Scheme

Former New Zealand footballer Lewis has been sentenced for his involvement in a betting corruption scheme, following his guilty plea in July 2023. The 28-year-old was sentenced in a Sydney court on October 3, 2023, for engaging in conduct that corrupts the outcome of a sporting event. Magistrate Michael Blair imposed a two-year community release order and determined that no conviction would be entered on Lewis’ record.

Lewis’s co-accused, fellow player Kearyn Baccus, also received an identical sentence. The charges stem from their participation in a scheme where they were each paid $10,000 to deliberately receive a yellow card during a match against Sydney FC in December 2023. This scheme was allegedly orchestrated by the team’s former captain, Ulises Davila, who acted as the intermediary for a South American crime syndicate involved in illegal gambling on A-League matches.

Details of the Case Unfold

According to court proceedings, Davila is facing up to nine charges related to betting corruption and is expected to appear in court again on October 5, 2023, to enter a plea. His role as the team captain was highlighted in court, with Baccus’ lawyer, Bryan Wrench, stating, “He was the captain of the team, and he was the captain of the scheme.”

In her defense, Lewis’s lawyer, Gabrielle Bashir, argued that her client had endured significant repercussions beyond legal penalties. She noted that Football Australia has issued Lewis a “show cause” notice, which could lead to a lifetime ban from the sport. Bashir emphasized that Lewis had likely lost his ability to earn a living in football due to the scandal.

The court was informed that Lewis was struggling with a gambling addiction at the time he was approached by Davila. Bashir contended that Lewis’s moral culpability was at the lower end of the spectrum, stating he was “targeted and exploited” because of his known gambling issues. “Not only was he targeted, he was asked to do it by someone who was in a position of power and influence over him,” she explained.

Impact on Lewis’s Future

Following the court’s decision, Lewis’s future in football remains uncertain. He has been diagnosed with a gambling addiction and is currently undergoing treatment, highlighting the personal challenges he faces beyond the legal ramifications of his actions. The case casts a shadow over the integrity of sports and the influence of gambling-related pressures on athletes.

As the legal proceedings continue for Davila and the implications unfold for both Lewis and Baccus, the case serves as a stark reminder of the potential vulnerabilities athletes face in high-stakes environments.