West Australian trio in hot water for gambling on games

Football Federation Australia (FFA) on Thursday punished a coach and two players registered in Western Australia for placing bets on a National Premier League match - with one of the players wagering on an at least one A-League match.

The National Code of Conduct states: 4.1 A Member must not engage, directly or indirectly, in: (a) any bet, wager, gamble or any other form of financial speculation where the relevant person stands to win or gain from the win, draw or loss of any Club competing in a Match; (Getty) Source: Getty Images

The trio were found to have placed bets on a match last year, but none of the games involved their respective team.

One player also put bets on other football matches - including the A-League - in breach of the National Code of Conduct.

The sanction imposed was a suspended fine for each individual.

"Players, coaches, referees and club officials are not allowed to bet on football matches anywhere under FIFA's statutes, which are reflected in the National Code of Conduct," FFA chief executive David Gallop said.

"There are particular sensitivities in the case where participants are betting on a match in their own competition.

"In this case, we have suspended the fines and protected the identity of those involved because they demonstrated a genuine lack of understanding of the ban on betting. The football community should take note of this case."

Football West chief executive Peter Hugg said the state organisation supported FFA's efforts to raise awareness of the issue by publicising this case.

"Each and every participant in WA is subject to the National Code of Conduct and the ban on betting is very clear," Hugg said.

"We have more than 40,000 players and many thousands of coaches, referees and officials, and this is a timely reminder for everyone."