A two-week suspension and a $2000 fine.

That’s the penalty Hobart Zebras midfielder Jordan Muller, 21, was slapped with for betting on NPL Tasmania matches his team was involved in.

Yes there was no evidence of match-fixing but he did place a wager on the Zebras to win as well as other NPL and A-League fixtures.

Muller’s betting habits breached Football Federation Australia’s national code of conduct for registered players, who are forbidden from gambling on matches anywhere in the world.

The sport’s integrity was compromised as FFA chief executive David Gallop rightly pointed out.

“There’s a much higher integrity risk when bets are placed on matches where the participant has a direct connection,” Gallop said last week.

“The integrity of football is important and under FIFA statutes registered players, coaches, referees and club officials are not allowed to bet on football matches anywhere in the world.”

Football Federation Tasmania boss Mike Palmer backed the decision but played down the seriousness of the offence.

“There was absolutely no suggestion at all in this case that there was any element of match-fixing,” Palmer told media.

“To be honest and put it bluntly it was a young bloke having a punt.

“We think the penalty appears to be fair for what was done, I don’t think it’s excessive, [but] we think it sends a strong message.”

Sorry to say, but, a two grand fine, a couple of weeks off and a further two-week suspension looming should Muller re-offend does not send a strong message, nor is it a deterrent.

In fact, it does the exact opposite.

FFA may as well have tickled Muller with a feather duster followed by a severe squirting with a $2 low-pressure water pistol from long range.

Second-placed Zebras president Robert Di Giovanni seemed more worried that he would be without his star player for Saturday’s important clash with league leaders Devonport.

Concerningly he criticised the timing and severity of the punishment.

Mind-boggling.

“At this stage of the season five minutes is too much as I say to pull out one of our best players for two games against two big teams coming up,” Di Giovanni told media last week.

“I’ve got Devonport away and then I’ve got Olympia away and I’ve lost probably my best midfielder.”

He said what?

Unsurprisingly there are significantly bigger issues at large than several premiership points!

Compare FFA’s marshmallow response to that of Cricket Australia’s earlier in the month.

Three players rightfully received high-end penalties for breaking the game’s anti-corruption code.

Women's Big Bash League players Hayley Jensen (New Zealand international) and Corinne Hall (Hobart Hurricanes), were handed two-year bans, of which 18 months was suspended, for betting on games.

South Australia Futures League player Joel Logan received a fully-suspended ban.

"We take a pro-active, zero-tolerance approach to maintaining the integrity of our sport and this includes any form of betting on cricket globally,” CA head of integrity Iain Roy said.

"This serves as a timely reminder to all players in cricket that the integrity of our game is a high priority and we won't accept this being compromised."

The trio conceded their failings, none of them were involved in the matches they betted on and yet they received a far greater punishment.

Muller on the other hand was only investigated after crowing about his windfall on social media.

Go figure!

Yes Muller is reportedly remorseful, has learnt from his indiscretion and has been publicly humiliated to go with his sanction.

No the mistake doesn’t warrant solitary confinement or a life ban but such a breach must be taken a lot more seriously by the FFA leadership.

In a time when the integrity of sport worldwide is being challenged by corruption and drug cheats, governing bodies should be taking an uncharitable approach.

 A slap on the wrist and arrogantly dismissing breaches in codes of ethics will only escalate a viral and damaging problem.

Faith in the integrity of sport must be maintained.

All leagues from a grassroots level to the pinnacle of global sports must abide by stringent principles and enforce penalties of a satisfactory standard.

For the fans sake, no sport, competition, club or participant can be exempt.