The Australian World Cup were embroiled in a betting scandal as it was revealed they bet amongst themselves to who would be the first goalscorer. Tim Cahill won the bet – as he admitted many of his colleagues had backed him. Their reserve goalkeeper acted as bookmaker.
However, FIFA have cleared the Socceroos of any wrongdoing despite warning all the world cup teams that betting was not going to be tolerated during the tournament.
Apparantly it is ok to bet amongst each other – just not with official bookies or online.
FIFA communications director Markus Siegler said: 'It's true players and team officials have all signed this charter but if there are individuals saying 'I bet with you who scores the first goal' this cannot be viewed as constituting betting.
'If there's organised, professional, institutionalised betting then it would become an issue.'
Article: Aussie players cleared over gambling claim