MFA not dragging its feet on match-fixing cases - Mifsud

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."