Aussie Authorities Take Close Look At AFL Match-Fixing Investigation

The Victorian government's sports betting authority "will follow the tanking investigation" with interest given it has already at least twice questioned the league about the practice, as far back as three years ago, according to Greg Denham of THE AUSTRALIAN. Following comments from sacked Demons coach Dean Bailey last year, the Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation said that "it was satisfied with the Australian Football League's position in safeguarding the integrity of the code at the elite level." The AFL has always maintained match fixing did not exist. Reacting to the Melbourne tanking speculation, then-VCGR Exec Commissioner Peter Cohen told The Australian that "his primary interest was for a fair environment for punters." Cohen stressed that "he had no information to suggest tanking existed." He said, "But perception within the community is a concern. We don't assume the worse when we make contact with our sports" (THE AUSTRALIAN, 8/1).