Police have launched an investigation into allegations of possible match manipulation related to the Malta Premier League fixture between Mosta FC and Naxxar Lions, played on February 4.
The match ended in a 5–0 victory for Naxxar Lions, a result that significantly boosted the club’s chances of maintaining its place in Malta’s top division.
Police confirmed that an investigation is currently underway after receiving a report concerning the match. Authorities declined to provide further details, citing the ongoing nature of the inquiry. However charges are expected to be filed in due course.
According to sources familiar with the matter, investigators are examining claims that Mosta players may have been approached prior to the game. The alleged approach is believed to involve an individual described as a football intermediary who assists in bringing foreign players to Maltese clubs.
Sources indicated that players were allegedly offered inducements intended to influence the outcome of the match.
It is understood that Mosta FC officials held internal discussions with several players who took part in the fixture after the game. During these talks, some players reportedly revealed that they had been contacted beforehand and presented with proposals linked to the match result.
Sources close to the club said that players showed messages they had received in connection with the alleged approaches. The information was subsequently passed on to the police, which prompted the opening of a formal investigation.
The Authority for Integrity in Maltese Sports declined to comment on whether it had submitted any report to the police, stating that integrity-related matters are handled confidentially while investigations are ongoing.
More alleged match fixing cases
If confirmed, this would be the first match-fixing investigation involving the Malta Premier League during the current season. However there are currently other investigations ongoing especially one in the Amateur League I match between Attard and Qormi which has also been reported by The Maltese Herald.
Match manipulation has previously affected Maltese football. Last year, a major case in Gozo led to Qala Saints player Manwel Xerri and Żebbuġ Rovers goalkeeper Leonard Camilleri receiving lifetime bans after a Malta Football Association tribunal found them guilty of attempting to bribe Nadur Youngsters goalkeeper Steve Sultana during a GFA Division One match. The police investigation in that case is still ongoing.
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