Malta FA Appeals Board rejects Marsaxlokk plea

Marsaxlokk FC will be playing Division One football this season after their appeal against the decision taken by the MFA Board to Investigate Corrupt Practices to demote them from the Premier League was not upheld yesterday.

Earlier this month, Marsaxlokk were found guilty of a match-fixing attempt before a league game against Msida SJ in November last year. In its ruling, the MFA also handed Peter Hartshorne, a former Marsaxlokk FC official, a life ban from football activities and fined the club €4,000.

Yesterday, the Appeals Board ruled that the decision taken by the Board to Investigate Corrupt Practices, and sanctioned by the MFA, should stand.

In a press conference held on September 14, club president Robert Micallef said Marsaxlokk FC intended to take the case to the Independent Arbitration Tribunal if their appeal was rejected.

Last month, Vittoriosa Stars were also thrown out of the Premier League for match-fixing after having played one match in the 2009-10 championship. Msida St Joseph and Ħamrun Spartans will be replacing Vittoriosa and Marsaxlokk in the top flight.

Last May, Vittoriosa made it to the Premier League after almost three decades in the doldrums while Marsaxlokk had won promotion from Division One at the end of season 2001-02.