FIFA takes MFA to CAS over 'lenient' doping sanctions

FIFA is contesting the sanctions handed out by the Malta FA in relation to the positive dope tests returned by Claude Mattocks, Gilbert Martin and Ryan Grech last season after the world governing body of football considered the punishments for the three players to be too lenient.

News of FIFA's course of action was given during last Thursday's MFA Council meeting.

In May, the Malta FA suspended Valletta midfielder Mattocks for four months after he tested positive for a prohibited substance.

Mattocks completed his ban last month as he had been suspended with immediate effect upon receiving notification of his failed dope test back in February.

Martin, who played for Mosta last season, and Grech, who is on the books of Tarxien Rainbows, were given one-year bans but the latter's suspension was reduced to nine months on appeal.

In accordance with international regulations, the Malta FA informed the world governing body of its sanctions against the players who failed dope tests but FIFA felt that the offences warranted a longer suspension.

FIFA have written to the MFA to inform them of their decision to lodge appeals against these sanctions with the Lausanne-based Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

In their statements of appeal, FIFA have called on CAS to impose two-year bans on the three Maltese players. This is the first time FIFA have officially expressed their disapproval of sanctions taken by the Malta FA since the introduction of dope-testing for domestic matches.

Contacted by The Times yesterday, Peter Fenech, the Malta FA vice-president, confirmed that FIFA have appealed the dope-related bans for Mattocks, Grech and Martin.

At its last congress in May, FIFA signed up to the World Anti-Doping code after agreeing a revised set of rules with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

FIFA had been reluctant to accept the code as they disagreed with the rule of a two-year ban for first-time offenders but they agreed to sign the accord after WADA removed the mandatory suspension.

The Times has information that the MFA have already contacted a legal expert from Germany to represent them before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Meanwhile, another Premier League player, Msida St Joseph goalkeeper Manuel Bartolo, has been suspended until June of next year for a doping offence.

The 24-year-old Bartolo, who joined Msida from San Ġwann two years ago, tested positive after a match against Hibs late last season.

Vella compensation

The Malta FA also announced the decision taken by its Players, Coaches, Member Clubs and Players' Agents Complaints Board on the case instituted by Hibs over Julian Vella's move to Sliema Wanderers in the January transfer window.

Hibernians had requested compensation after Vella, who was brought up through the youth ranks of the Paola club, signed a professional contract with Premier League rivals Sliema Wanderers.

Vella, who had been registered as an amateur player with Hibs, obtained his release last October and went to work in Northern Ireland where he joined local club Lisburn Distillery.

It transpires that soon after Vella secured his release, Hibs sent a letter to the MFA, asking them to safeguard their interests in the event that the player returned to Malta and moved to another club.

After a short spell with Lisburn Distillery, Vella returned to Malta and signed for Sliema on a free transfer.

The change of Vella's status from amateur to professional prompted Hibs to file a complaint with the Malta FA wherein they asked to be paid training compensation for the 22-year-old midfielder.

Basing their calculation on FIFA guidelines for compensation for the transfer of U-23 players, Hibs called on the MFA to order Sliema Wanderers to pay them a sum in the region of €210,000.

After consulting FIFA on the matter, the MFA board received authorisation from the international body to apply local regulations and parameters in ruling on the case. The board concluded that Sliema should pay around €24,000 in compensation for their signing of Vella.

Hibs will get the bulk of the sum but Lija Athletic are also entitled to a small share of the money (€3,498) as Vella had a short loan spell with them in season 2004-05.

Hibs have already indicated their intention to appeal the MFA's decision.