Corruption probe finds no evidence of wrongdoing

An investigation into bribery allegations in Division Two has found no evidence of wrongdoing by any of the implicated parties, Joe Mifsud, Malta FA president, told council members on Monday.

The probe, carried out by the MFA Board to Investigate Corrupt Practices, was triggered by an anonymous letter containing claims of an attempt to bribe a Balzan Youths player and another relating to the BOV Second Division first round match between Balzan Youths and Birżebbuġa St Peter's, which the former won 2-1.

Dr Mifsud explained that the allegations came to light last January and despite the fact that the letter in question was not signed, the MFA still asked the relevant board to investigate its content.

A report on maltafootball.com yesterday said that the MFA board had summoned all the players and officials mentioned in the letter as well as other persons who might have been aware of the two cases.

Although the board uncovered no evidence of corruption, it pointed out that a more robust inquiry would only have been possible had the author of the letter not remained anonymous and instead provided the investigators with more evidence.

Addressing council members, Dr Mifsud reiterated the MFA's zero-tolerance stance on corruption in football.

"Corruption kills football and that is why persons found guilty of bribery receive life bans," Dr Mifsud said.

George Borg, the president of Balzan Youths, welcomed the outcome of the investigation but expressed disappointment at the lack of communication from the Malta FA on this matter.

"The news that the name of Balzan Youths is clean is now public knowledge," Borg said in a statement.

"This whole saga has left me and the club with a bitter taste as we had not been informed that Balzan Youths were being investigated until we found out through a full-page write-up in a local newspaper, which report was published on the day our team was to play a crucial game, a promotion decider against Rabat Ajax."

"The events as to who and how this information had been leaked to certain sections of the local media remain a mystery," Borg added.

"We wrote to the MFA asking for clarification but no answer was forthcoming. Nor were we requested to give evidence during the investigation. The verdict is clear but why all this fuss about an anonymous letter?

"Whoever wrote this letter had only one thing in mind, to tarnish the name of Balzan Youths FC. If the author was so sure of his/her claims, than he/she should have signed and confirmed its content.

"Dr Joe Mifsud, the MFA president, was right to order an investigation and we fully agree that any form of corruption should be dealt with and punished.

"It was my intention to resign as president of Balzan Youths at the end of last season but I decided to stay on until the club was cleared of any wrongdoing.

Now I have committed myself to another year at the helm of Balzan Youths in the hope that no more malicious and unfounded claims are made against our club.

"Football is a great sport and all rivalry should focus on making new friends not enemies," Borg concluded.

Dimech's case

Meanwhile, it was also announced on Monday that the case regarding Luke Dimech's ineligibility to play in the opening match of the Euro Challenge Cup between Valletta and Birkirkara is being looked at by the MFA Board of Control and Discipline.

Dimech stole the headlines last week after it emerged that Valletta had fielded the Malta defender in their match against Birkirkara despite being ineligible to play as his registration had not been filed with the Malta FA.

Birkirkara filed a protest over Dimech's ineligibility but then withdrew it as a sign of good will.