Kevin Azzopardi, Centenary Hall
MFA not dragging its feet on match-fixing cases - Mifsud
MFA president Joe Mifsud stressing a point during yesterday's annual general meeting at the Centenary Hall. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi.
Malta FA president Joe Mifsud has hit back at claims that the association was dragging its feet on the two match-fixing cases involving Marsaxlokk and Vittoriosa Stars.
Marsaxlokk and Vittoriosa, who gained promotion to the Premier League at the end of last season, have been slapped with bribery-related charges by the MFA after the association's Board of Inquiry concluded its inquest into the cases.
Dr Mifsud reminded the assembly of the MFA's regulations on corruption, notably that clubs are liable to sanctions if one or more of their committee members are found guilty of bribery.
"If the clubs want us to treat corruption-related cases lightly, they should tell us," Dr Mifsud said in response to widespread lamentations that the Malta FA's disciplinary process was taking too long.
"However, I strongly believe that we must follow the principles of natural justice," the MFA president added, before embarking on a long explanation on why these two cases are still pending.
Dr Mifsud gave a detailed account of the association's course of action from the moment these two cases came to light.
The MFA chief alluded to the restrictions faced by the association when it comes to gathering evidence and ruling on such cases.
Tougher regulations on corruption were introduced on June 1, Dr Mifsud added.
"Few in this hall are familiar with the legal complexities of such procedures, but people just talk and talk," Dr Mifsud said.
In light of the on-going disciplinary proceedings against Marsaxlokk and Vittoriosa Stars, many have cast doubts on the credibility of the 2009/10 Premier League. Dr Mifsud refuted these allegations.
"The league will be played according to the team classifications of last season and that makes the next championship a regular one," the MFA president said.
"If the MFA council were to decide that clubs charged with bribery be suspended immediately, then so be it," Dr Mifsud remarked before slamming a Malta FA official, whom he refused to name, for his unfounded criticism of the association.
"That person who has accused the Malta FA of doing nothing on match-fixing is a liar and doesn't deserve to form part of the MFA Council and Executive Committee," Dr Mifsud said.
"He should also make an apology for his comments in the media."
Popular Stories
In Discussion
Italian football cancelled as player...
Juve win scudetto as Milan lose to Inter
Valletta beat Hibs to edge closer to...
Hibs fire Miller after turning down...
Valletta champions
Napoli end Juve run with Coppa...
Updated: Title glory for Valletta...
PBS to screen all Euro 2012 matches
O'Brien inspires Malta to victory
6 Comments
Post comment
Please sign in or create your Account to post comments.
j.spiteri
Jul 27th 2009, 08:19
what about the gzira/santa lucia case??????
Bill Zammit
Jul 26th 2009, 22:17
may i all remind you that for much less evidence, juventus were stripped of two leagues unfairly and sent to the serie B in a half-breath. i think these cases should have been dealt with BEFORE the end of last season!! because they could have had an effect on other matches of last season! and now, with all the draws having been made, who is going to stay overnight at MFA and compile four new divisions in 3 weeks? the MFA should have known otherwise!
C Bonnici
Jul 26th 2009, 21:01
What is MFA waiting to take a decision on the future of Marsaxlokk and Vittoriosa. MFA promised that justice will be done so why dont they get it over and done with and punish the culprits. What are we waiting? .... maybe for Marsaxlokk to be relegated after a "poor" season in the Premier League?! ... hence taking place teams like Msida who fought bravely to try to keep their place amongst the top flight teams! Come on guys!! wake up!!
Adrian Borg
Jul 26th 2009, 20:39
"Few in this hall are familiar with the legal complexities of such procedures, but people just talk and talk," Dr Mifsud said
I think Dr Mifsud falls in the bracket of people he is referring to as well ... as he just talks and talks and if he was familiar with the new rules he would have acted out! But he just talks and talks and doesn't act!
m.cauchi
Jul 26th 2009, 12:29
rightly said Mr.Ellul ,
il kuntrast dubjuz li jvarja hafna huwa kif l qorti sabet in nies hatja u tat sentenza u l istess MFA qet iddum biex tiddecidi .... personalment nahseb li kollox ha jmut fuq ommu....kif jajd l malti !
grazzi
V Ellul
Jul 26th 2009, 10:42
I agree that everyone has the right of a fair hearing.
But no-one can deny - not even the MFA President - that the whole process has been too slow. The Board investigating the Marsaxlokk cases has only started hearing cases this month, when the alleged incident happened 7 months ago. If that's not 'dragging one's feet' I do not know what is!!