UPDATED: Football player and former player fined €30,000 for involvement in illegal betting

Two individuals, a current and a former football player, have been fined a total of €30,000 after being found guilty of participating in illegal football betting activities.

Rio Micallef, 41, from Marsa, and Lydon Micallef, 32, from Naxxar, were charged with operating an unlicensed betting service.

In a separate statement published a few minutes ago. the Malta Football Association informed the individuals involved that they are being immediately and indefinitely suspended until internal proceedings are carried out in accordance with the regulations.

Police Investigation and Evidence

Authorities launched an investigation after receiving intelligence that Rudger Scerri was involved in illegal betting and corruption in sports.

Scerri, a former committee member of Ħ’Attard Football Club, was previously sentenced to six months in prison after being found guilty of corruption-related offenses in the sport.

During the investigation, police examined Scerri’s mobile phone and discovered chats between him and the accused discussing illegal betting. The case was then referred to the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), which confirmed that the trio had been offering betting services on various sports, including football, in a manner similar to licensed companies.

Testimonies and Court Ruling

Lydon Micallef

Scerri testified in court, stating that both Rio and Lydon Micallef were gambling addicts who frequently placed bets, sent him betting information, and were actively involved in organizing wagers for other players.

He added that Rio Micallef played a smaller role compared to himself and Lydon Micallef, as he primarily placed bets for personal use rather than managing bets for others.

Based on the prosecution’s evidence, Magistrate Victor Axiak found the accused guilty and issued the following fines:

• Rio Micallef: Ordered to pay a €10,000 fine to the Malta Gaming Authority.
• Lydon Micallef: Ordered to pay a €20,000 fine to the same authority.

Rio Micallef is also currently charged with drug trafficking but his trial was dissolved last September. He was also sentenced to 6 months in prison in 2006 for drug trafficking.

Other Individuals Implicated

The court also noted that three additional individuals were brought to trial in connection with this case. Chris Barbara and Dejan Grech received final sentences that were not appealed, while the case against Matthew Bajada is still ongoing.