Football player cleared of attempted bribery charge

A Żurrieq FC player was yesterday acquitted of trying to bribe another player because of lack of evidence.

Jeffrey Camilleri, 24, denied trying to bribe Sta Luċija player Brian Chetcuti during a game between the two teams on May 24 last year. It was a decider match and promotion was at stake. The game ended 2-2, with Żurrieq then winning on penalties, securing their promotion to the second division.

After the match, Mr Chetcuti claimed a bribery attempt was made in his regard and the information was passed on to the police and Mr Camilleri was arraigned on June 17 of the same year.

Mr Chetcuti testified that Mr Camilleri had approached him towards the end of the game and offered him €1,000 if he were to cause a penalty.

Mr Camilleri categorically denied the allegations, adding that he had played for Żurrieq since he was 10-years-old.

Magistrate Anthony Vella found him not guilty of trying to bribe Mr Chetcuti and acquitted him.

Lawyers Franco Debono and Marion Camilleri appeared for Mr Camilleri.