Special Report: Police and MFA probe match-fixing allegations in Qormi–Attard Clash

The Police Financial Crimes Unit and the Malta Football Association (MFA) have launched a joint investigation into suspected match-fixing in a BOV Amateur League fixture between Qormi and Attard, played on Saturday, October 25, at the Luxol Ground in Pembroke. The game ended with a striking scoreline of 4–7 in Attard’s favour.

The probe was triggered following an anonymous whistleblower report, which flagged the match for unusual betting activity on foreign gambling platforms. According to the tip-off, thousands of euros were reportedly won on wagers predicting the number of goals scored in the game. Journalists also received the same information, prompting further scrutiny into the matter.

Sources told The Maltese Herald that the MFA, after conducting a preliminary internal review, immediately referred the case to the Police Financial Crimes Investigations Department. Early findings indicate that at least three separate high-stakes bets were placed on an Asian betting site, using an account registered in the United States.

Investigators are now examining potential links between these bets and a former Maltese football player, who is currently suspended by the MFA. The Maltese Herald is informed of the identity of this individual, who is also believed to have been present at the match.

Following the game, the Qormi committee reportedly held an internal meeting with their players after receiving word about the suspicious activity. Soon after, Qormi coach Jesmond Zerafa tendered his resignation, though it remains unclear whether his decision was directly related to the ongoing allegations. However The Maltese Herald is also informed that the former coach’s sudden decision is probably linked to this result.

Preliminary investigations suggest that approximately $80,000 was won from bets placed during the match. According to sources, the bets followed a staggered pattern — initially predicting three goals, then five, and finally seven — with winnings progressively reinvested as the game unfolded.

Former controversy

This is not the first time that Attard FC have been involved in betting manipulation allegations. The club’s former President Rudger Scerri was jailed for six months and interdicted for life after an appeal court increased his sentence for match-fixing and illegal betting.

Scerri, who was 21 and a committee member of Attard FC at the time of his arraignment in January 2021, had pleaded guilty to manipulating a sporting event, withholding information from police, and running unlicensed betting operations.

He was arrested following a police raid at his residence, during which authorities seized €20,000–€30,000 in cash and several electronic devices. Following his arrest, Attard FC immediately expelled Scerri from its committee through a unanimous vote, distancing the club from his actions.

Other match fixing allegations

Two other former players were involved in the Scerri case and were fined EUR 30,000 between them as well as being banned for life from all sporting activities earlier this year. Rio Micallef, 41, from Marsa, and Lydon Micallef, 32, from Naxxar, were charged with offering a gaming service without a licence. Micallef is currently serving a prison sentence for drug trafficking.

A high scoring match

According to the MFA’s official match report, the game itself was a high-scoring affair:

• 3’ – Staline Degabriele opened for Attard.

• 5’ – Jayden Borg equalised for Qormi.

• 8’, 20’, 51’, 69’ – Precious Nwankwo struck four goals for Attard.

• 25’ – Borg scored again for Qormi.

• 43’ – Nick Ghio added Attard’s fourth.

• 45+1’ – Emmanuel Garba pulled one back for Qormi before halftime.

• 61’ – Garba scored again to make it 5–4 before Attard sealed the match with two more goals.

This was Attard’s first seven-goal haul in a league fixture since January 2020, when they defeated Ghaxaq 7–1 in the Third Division.

The MFA and police investigations are ongoing, with both entities expected to release updates once further evidence is verified.