Two UK footballers arrested for involvement in 'Indian-origin fixer's' Oz match-fixing ring

Australian authorities has reportedly arrested two professional UK footballers and have charged them on suspicion of being involved in a multimillion-dollar match-fixing ring, which is suspected of being masterminded by an Indian-origin match-fixer Wilson Raj Perumal.

The two accused Joe Woolley and Reiss Noel, who had been playing for AFC Hornchurch, had left the club in July to play in Australian football club Southern Stars in the state of Victoria's Premier League.

According to Sky News, amongst the six men charged are Southern Stars' goalkeeper and coach, with police alleging that the men were involved in match-rigging which netted more than two million dollars of betting winnings by manipulating scores of the bottom-placed club.

The report further said that both Woolley and Noel are facing eight charges including four counts each of engaging and facilitating in conduct that could corrupt the outcome of a betting event, adding that the duo was bailed to appear again in court on September 20.

Meanwhile, the English Football Association said that it was in contact with both the Australian authorities and Football Federation Australia and would co-operate fully with their enquiries.